Side effects vary from person to person, but blood pressure drugs, sleep aids, cholesterol drugs, and antidepressants can cause nightmares in some people.
Vivid dreams and nightmares are typically side effects of many medications.
But some medications can cause nightmares in more cases than others. Generally, drugs that affect the function of brain nerve cells could lead to nightmares in certain people.
How can drugs cause nightmares?
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Some neuroscientists believe certain drugs can cause nightmares because of their effect on the brain and neurotransmitter balance.
Generally, drugs that can affect the level or activity of brain neurotransmitters could cause nightmares.
Medications that change the level of dopamine or serotonin in the brain can also have an effect on dreaming.
Examples of these medications are antidepressants, which change serotonin levels, and antiparkinsonian drugs, which affect dopamine levels.
Some research on stopping antidepressants suggests that the symptoms of abrupt withdrawal can include vivid dreams and nightmares.
Also, a 2020 study highlighted that psychotropic drugs that affect sleep quality, REM sleep, and the withdrawal of these medications can also make you more likely to have nightmares.
Apart from antidepressants, other drugs could also cause nightmares.
Cholesterol drugs
Experts found a link between taking cholesterol drugs like statins and nightmares.
A 2022 study on statin drugs suggested that statins could cause psychological side effects, including sleep conditions such as insomnia and nightmares.
Examples of statin drugs associated with nightmares include:
But researchers don’t yet know the precise mechanism behind stain-related nightmares. If you have concerns about this side effect, consult a doctor.
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Several blood pressure medications can cause nightmares. Typical examples are beta-blockers like metoprolol and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors such as lisinopril (Qbrelis).
A 2021 survey noted that one-third of participants who experienced nightmares were taking beta-blockers.
Fat-soluble beta-blockers like metoprolol (Lopressor) can cross the blood-brain barrier and enter nerve cells. There they can change how neurotransmitters work.
Sleep aids
Sleep aids are typically over-the-counter medications that help people sleep well. Melatonin supplement is one common sleep aid. Nightmares are one common side effect of melatonin.
Some medical experts think melatonin affects the REM stage of sleep, which might explain why it could cause nightmares. But there’s currently no research explaining the exact mechanism behind melatonin-related nightmares.
Antidepressants increase the availability of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine in the brain. The effect of these medications can change dream content and your ability to recall dreams.
Stopping some antidepressants suddenly may worsen nightmare episodes, so consult your doctor if you have concerns about the medication.
One example of an antidepressant that can have this effect is bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Managing nightmares
Here are some tips that can help with medication-related nightmares:
Medication review: Some medications for treating long-term medical conditions can cause nightmares. Reviewing your medication with a doctor can help you identify what medications are causing them.
Practice relaxation exercises: Relaxation activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can lower stress or anxiety levels, which can be nightmare triggers.
Maintain a regular sleep routine: Keeping a consistent sleep and wake-up schedule helps the body’s internal clock — called the circadian rhythm — which controls sleep. Once your circadian rhythm is regulated, you’re more likely to sleep better and more easily.
Practice good sleep hygiene: Sleep hygiene refers to your behaviors close to bedtime and your sleep environment. For instance, sleeping in a cool and dark bedroom, reducing exposure to bright or blue lights close to bedtime, and a relaxing nighttime routine are some examples of good sleep hygiene. Practicing these sleep behaviors in a suitable sleep environment can improve sleep quality and duration.
Consult a mental health professional: You need an evaluation from a mental health practitioner if lifestyle strategies aren’t effective in resolving nightmares. You may benefit from talking therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy.
Summary
Medications that affect brain neurotransmitters can typically increase the chance of nightmares.
In most cases, nightmares can be side effects of medications, and the specific mechanism is unknown. Drugs such as statins, antidepressants, beta-blockers, and lisinopril could also cause nightmares.
Lifestyle modifications — such as good sleep hygiene and getting help from a mental professional — are some of the solutions to medication-related nightmares.
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Pop G, et al. (2022). Post-marketing surveillance of statins — a descriptive analysis of psychiatric adverse reactions in EudraVigilance. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/15/12/1536
