Sleep is essential for our physical and mental well-being. The REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage is the most critical phase of all sleep stages. In this period, we dream, and our brain deciphers and remembers our feelings.
Nevertheless, certain antidepressants may have an impact on REM sleep, causing that then to be a problem. It may result in weird dreams, sleep disturbances, and even movements.
Below, we will explore what antidepressants cause REM sleep disorder.
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Our specialized staff can offer ideal sleep improvement solutions and tips for overall better health. Get in touch with us for more information.
What Is REM Sleep Disorder?
Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep is necessary for the sleep cycle. It relates to dreaming, memory integration, and emotional management.
During this stage, the mind becomes more engaged while the body experiences a condition of brief muscle immobility (atonia). This immobility serves as a prevention against harmful actions we might carry out in dreams.
A person suffering from REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is the one who experiences this immunity at its worst. The individuals with this illness of mind do not realize their dreams physically.
The person who is likely to shout, kick, or leap out of bed during these active episodes is RBD. Usual muscle relaxation happens during REM sleep.
Even so, during REM sleep disorder, there is a collapse of this leisure, and movements take place during sleep.
Why Is REM Sleep Sometimes Called Paradoxical Sleep?
REM sleep is sometimes called paradoxical sleep. REM sleep is paradoxical because the brain is very active, similar to when we are awake, but the body remains still.
However, some antidepressants interfere with this process, increasing the risk of REM sleep disorder.
What Antidepressants Cause REM Sleep Disorder?
REM sleep disturbances and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) are linked to some categories of antidepressants. Let’s look at the medicine that is most often quoted below.
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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs and REM sleep maintain a diverse association. These drugs decrease the occurrence of REM sleep and might be the reason behind the appearance of vivid dreams and nightmares. The most typical SSRIs are:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
SSRIs prevent REM sleep. If you discontinue, you may experience the inverse process regarding REM sleep.
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Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
The two neurotransmitter activities enhanced by SNRIs lead to sleep dysfunction. These medications create a prolonged reduction of REM sleep cycles while causing REM Sleep Behavior Disorder in particular users. Notable SNRIs include:
- Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) – One of the most frequently reported antidepressants linked to RBD
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
Venlafaxine is associated with REM sleep issues. Some patients even report having violent dreams.
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Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
TCAs were one of the first-generation antidepressants. They are not used as much now but still affect REM sleep. TCAs with strong REM suppression effects include:
- Amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Imipramine (Tofranil)
- Clomipramine (Anafranil)
Clomipramine is the most potent drug in stopping REM sleep. It is linked to more REM sleep issues.
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Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
MAOIs are used less often, but they powerfully affect REM sleep. They can even stop REM sleep completely. Examples include:
- Phenelzine (Nardil)
- Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
- Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
Patients who are on MAOIs have often described that they don’t dream anymore and don’t have REM sleep. This deficit of REM sleep could be the cause of long-term sleep problems.
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Atypical Antidepressants
Some atypical antidepressants affect REM sleep differently. It depends on their pharmacological profiles.
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin), unlike SSRIs and SNRIs, bupropion does not suppress REM sleep. But it could raise the density of dreams and result in REM-related disorders,
- Mirtazapine (Remeron) is a medicine famous for being a soporific. It may slightly affect REM sleep but can still cause REM fragmentation.
Symptoms of REM Sleep Disorder Caused by Antidepressants
Patients who have REM sleep disturbances as a result of antidepressants may show signs like the below ones:
- Vivid or disturbing dreams
- Acting out dreams (RBD symptoms)
- Sudden movements or talking during sleep
- Daytime fatigue and unrefreshing sleep
- Frequent awakenings throughout the night
REM Sleep Disorder and Dementia: Is There a Link?
The REM sleep disruption may cause diseases like Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease over time. Results from studies propose that continuous suppression of REM sleep might raise the risk of developing REM sleep disorder and Lewy body dementia.
REM sleep behavior disorder patients experience cognitive decay over time. Abnormal sleep patterns can be one of the early symptoms of neurodegenerative conditions. Treating sleep disorders at the early stages may prevent future cognitive dysfunction.
At the moment, there are insufficient resources on the question of whether REM sleep disorder and dementia are directly related.
Natural Ways to Manage REM Sleep Disorder
In case you have been having disturbances in your REM sleep, your doctor may tell you to use the following RBD sleep disorder natural treatments:
- Melatonin supplements will restore the chemical balance necessary to sleep peacefully.
- Regular exercise increases hormone levels.
- Meditation and relaxation techniques one of these, will reduce your stress level and possibly make sleep easier.
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol the two of them contribute to sleep problems.
- Consistent sleep schedule: The only way of making this work is by keeping a fixed sleep schedule.
When to Talk to a Doctor?
You should ask for medical assistance when sleep problems continue after taking antidepressants.
Such professionals will modify current medicine prescriptions or suggest new therapies to enhance sleep quality.
Final Thought
Understanding what antidepressants cause REM sleep disorder can help you to be mindful of your sleep health. SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs are chemicals that often change the normal, healthy cycle of REM sleep, causing REM sleep disorder.
If you believe you have problems with sleeping, you should go to your doctor and ask them to find a solution.
Lifestyle changes help improve natural sleep and do the right thing for your mental health. Thereby, quality of sleep is equated to proper mental management.
FAQs
Can Lexapro cause REM sleep disorder?
Yes, Lexapro can lead to REM sleep disorder. This happens because it reduces REM sleep. As a result, people may experience vivid dreams or sleep problems.
Which brain part is critical for regulating REM sleep?
The brainstem structure, pons, controls REM sleep states and muscle relaxations throughout sleeping periods.