Posted by Scott L. Schofield on February 2, 2000, at 22:55:13
In reply to Re: followup to Noa & Scott, posted by Elizabeth on February 2, 2000, at 21:03:38
> > As far as “REM rebound” is concerned, this is a phenomenon seen when discontinuing some antidepressants, especially MAO-inhibitors. These drugs tend to suppress the REM stage of sleep, the one normally associated with dreaming. The “downward” force exerted by the drug is fought by the brain as an “upward” pressure. When the drug is discontinued, the extra REM pressure springs upwards without restraint – it rebounds. The REM stage overshoots, leading to increased time spent in REM sleep, and more vivid dreams. Some people even experience a sort of wakeful dreaming as they begin to fall asleep.
> (the suppression of REM with MAOIs is near 100%)Having to again face this fact scares the hell out of me. The first few times I tried both Parnate and Nardil, I experienced no dreaming at all (that I can remember). Now, these drugs don't have nearly the same effect. This REALLY scares the HELL out of me. Damn it.
> One other effect of MAOIs on sleep is that, even before they start suppressing REM sleep (the suppression of REM with MAOIs is near 100%), they cause muscle tone during REM to be retained. When the drug is withdrawn, this effect persists for a short time, resulting in movement during dreams.
My fist and the lamp on my night-table would agree.
> One other effect of MAOIs on sleep is that, even before they start suppressing REM sleep (the suppression of REM with MAOIs is near 100%),
This still scares the hell out of me.
It might be appropriate here to mention that the time it takes to begin REM after falling asleep (REM latency) is reduced in depression. Normally, REM latency is about 90 minutes. In depression it is closer to 60 minutes. In addition, the duration of the REM periods, particular the first one, are lengthened. Perhaps there is some connection between this and the REM suppression seen with antidepressants. I believe there is a dopaminergic - cholinergic balance that helps regulate sleep, and this is thought by some to be involved in the causes of depression.
I'm really getting sick of typing that damned word.
- Scott
poster:Scott L. Schofield
thread:19787
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000128/msgs/20419.html