Posted by Seraphim on May 6, 2001, at 11:03:05
Any and all advice is welcome.
A little background - I have had problems, periodically, with nightmares in the past. Everyone does on occasion, especially in response to a great deal of stress. Sometimes they would continue for weeks or months and start to become a real problem. They would affect my waking life; it's hard to let go of some of them, as they are terrifying and very memorable. Anyway, nightmares hadn't been a problem for years; then I went into a severe depressive state almost three years ago. Woke up screaming almost every night. Terrified my husband. I think it was the depression that brought on such an extended bout. For depression (until a few years ago I had never taken any medications), my doctor prescribed Effexor(went up to 300mg), Elavil(200mg), and Seroquel(small dosage of seroquel). I truly think I was over-medicated the past few years, but thought that since it was a professional recommending them, I must need the meds. Looking back, I was a fool. I certainly shouldn't have stayed on them so long.
About four months ago, I stopped taking the Elavil. I cut my dosage of Seroquel to 50mg a day. About two months ago I started weaning from Effexor. Now down to 37.5mg a day. Severe withdrawal symptoms. I'm sick and in pain. I have had a few days of enlightenment; optimistic and determined. About two weeks ago the nightmares started again. I figured it was in response to withdrawal and the stress involved, but they are not stopping. Every night, even during brief naps lately, I am having the most vivid, horrifying nightmares. They seem to continue all night. Like a horror movie where I'm the main character. I remember every detail, or so it seems. I've had problems sleeping (waking a lot, not sleeping for more than 2 hour straight) on and off for many years, even while taking all of the meds. Doesn't bother me though. I get a lot of reading done. But I can't handle the nightmares much longer. It's affected my outlook on everything right now. I asked my general physician, years ago, if there was anything that would help and I was told no. I asked my pdoc two years ago and was told that there wasn't a med. that can treat nightmares. So no help there. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.
Seraphim
poster:Seraphim
thread:61779
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010424/msgs/61779.html