Why do antidepressants make me dream more and vividly?
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Because when you boost one brain chemical it tends to increase other chemicals through chemical reactions. The chemical which is involved in sleep is Adenosine, the chemical which is involved in dreams is Dopamine. The chemical involved in recall of memories is Acetylcholine. The chemical involved in the accuracy of the recall of memories is Noradrenaline. You have the same number of dreams most of the time whether you sleep deep or not, you simply have more brain systems alert to enrich them and make you aware of them when you don't sleep as deep. Dreams, as long as they aren't nightmares are beneficial and only happen during REM sleep. Some people have trouble experiencing REM sleep and have some problems because of it. There are a few other chemicals involved as well. Nicotine is the worse inducer of dreams and should be avoided close to bedtime if you use it as it raises Dopamine levels. Caffeine is bad because it directly effects the Adenosine receptors causing insomnia. There are older antidepressants which cause very deep sleep where a person wakes up and has no recall of dreams, but it is not yet understood whether these medicines interfere with REM sleep. You should mention it to your prescribing doctor if it annoys you and perhaps he can find a more suitable medicine where you can relieve the depression and get a good nights sleep as well.
I can't explain why, but it is the same for me (especially SSRI's and SNRI's such as Zoloft or Effexor). I know this is common and not to be worried about. If it is really botherwome I know I have far less of it on Wellbutrin so you might want to talk to your Dr.
Not sure if I can explain why, but maybe you are more relaxed while sleeping and you are getting a more peaceful nights rests. or you are in what they call REM sleep, I think that is when you dream.
l am not on antidepressants but I do have more vivid dream if got to bed relax and not stressed or worried.
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