Posted by Elizabeth on December 30, 2000, at 23:49:44
In reply to Guanfacine can suppress PTSD related dreams, posted by jay samson on December 9, 2000, at 13:35:10
> Some reports suggest that guanfacine (Tenex) can suppress PTSD dreams - don't know about other kind of dreams.
Yes. I've heard of clonidine (similar drug) being used this way too. Also I know somebody who says Depakote took away her posttraumatic dreams.
SSRIs (and Effexor) decrease the amount of time spent in REM sleep, but they also increase REM density (number of eye movements) and the number of nighttime awakenings. (It's possible to wake up very briefly without ever remembering that you did; this can increase dream recall.) These drugs typically cause very vivid dreams and are not the best choice for someone with a REM sleep disorder. (I have RBD and had particular problems with Effexor.)
Amphetamines, anticholinergics (such as amitriptyline and protriptyline), and MAOIs are the best REM suppressors (which is why they are the most effective drugs for narcolepsy).
poster:Elizabeth
thread:44436
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001130/msgs/50625.html