Posted by Sunnely on January 28, 2001, at 21:52:33
In reply to effexor and nightmares, posted by dreamer on January 26, 2001, at 20:51:23
> can anyone please help?
> starting to enter the depressive phase of bi-polar,and i get such horrific nightmares that put me on edge all day i know its the effexor my doctor said its usuall to get this problem while coming off the drug but it happens while on it especially as i get ill.
> ive heard of ambien is it addictive?
> im kinda messed up right now
>
> dreamer
======================Hi Dreamer,
Dreams and nightmares most often occur during rapid eye movement (REM). Vivid dreaming is a well-known side effect of dopamine-boosting drugs such as L-dopa (Dopar, Larodopa) and bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Venlafaxine (Effexor) is a serotonin-norepinephrine antidepressant. Serotonergic drugs have occasionally been associated with changes in dream activity (e.g., vivid dreams and nightmares). Two explanations are conceivable, one related directly to REM sleep alterations and a second involving stimulation of serotonin-2 (5-HT2) receptors. First, although Effexor has a dose-related suppression effect on REM sleep, a tolerance (effect wears off) to this effect could be developed after some time, which may induce vivid dreaming. In addition, the stimulation of 5-HT2 receptors may in some cases be associated with alterations of dreaming activity, such as nightmares. This is supported by the effectiveness of 5-HT2 receptor blockers such as cyproheptadine (Periactin), mirtazapine (Remeron), and nefazodone (Serzone) in the treatment of nightmares, especially in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A serotonin-effect mechanism could therefore be involved in dreaming processes in at least some of the patients. Finally, the involvement of the noradrenergic (norepinephrine) system should not be excluded, since the alpha2 agonists (enhancers) such as clonidine (Catapres) and guanfacine (Tenex) have some effectiveness in the treatment of nightmares associated with PTSD.
poster:Sunnely
thread:52655
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010122/msgs/52805.html