Posted by anita on May 18, 2001, at 15:27:58
In reply to Anti-depressant medications and nightmares, posted by Glenn Fagelson on May 18, 2001, at 15:05:45
Hi Glenn,
It is not uncommon for people to get nightmares from psychotropic drugs. Many of them can affect one's sleep architecture. When REM sleep is increased, there can be more nightmares, and conversely, sometimes when REM sleep is decreased, one can have particularly horrible nightmares in a different kind of sleep stage. I do know that Seroquel increases stage 3 & 4 sleep, which are the deepest and most restorative sleep stages, but I don't know if it affects REM sleep. Sometimes this effect does diminish with time -- how long have you been taking your meds? Which AD are you on?
If this is really a problem for you, perhaps your doctor may have a suggestion for alleviating them. I have heard that a small dose of clonidine at bedtime can help, but I haven't tried that myself.
Good luck,
anita
Hi, my name is Glenn.
>
> Just about every night, I have disturbing
> dreams which often become nightmares. I am
> on anti-depressants and Seroquel. Has anybody
> else experienced continual disturbing dreams
> while on psychotropic medication??
>
> Glenn
poster:anita
thread:63494
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010515/msgs/63499.html