Rolls: sleep disorder and SSRI

[Rolls]

Hello

I was on sertraline for about 15 months. I started having mild symptoms of acting out my dreams (e.g. kicking my legs at a snake during a dream). 

 

I discontinued the ssri's about 6 weeks ago, as there is medical evidence ssri's can cause this disorder (known as rbd sleep behaviour).

 

But 6 weeks later i am still having an occasional mild episode of acting my dreams.

 

My question is - how long can ssri symptoms continue after stopping ssri use?

 

I am beginning to get concerned that it was not the ssri's side effect causing this, and that I have this problem naturally.

 

This is causing me a lot of anxiety, as this sleep disorder usually is a pre cursor to a neurological disease like parkinsons.

 

Any experience re ssri withdrawal timeliness would be appreciated.

 

I am male and 41 years old.

 

 

[ChessieCat]

Hi Rolls and welcome to SA,

 

We need some additional information from you please.  Please answer the following questions:

 

What was the original reason for you going on sertraline?

 

Whilst taking sertraline when did you become aware you were "acting out dreams"?

 

Are you aware of any "acting out dreams" prior to commencing sertraline?

 

Are you under any additional stress that may be affecting your sleep?

 

Are you taking any other drugs, supplements, OTC or street drugs? 

 

 

You may be experiencing some other symptoms which you haven't connected to stopping your drug abruptly.  Please check this list and let us know if you are getting withdrawal symptoms.  To give you an example of this, when I reduced my drug too quickly I had a mild upset tummy for a few days which I attributed to a stomach bug or something I ate.  It wasn't until I saw it on the symptom list that I realised that it was probably a withdrawal symptom

 

You might need to reinstate a small dose of sertraline.  We can suggest a dose if you decide to do this.  Please note that it is better to start with a small amount and increase if needed, than to risk taking too much.  Please read Post #1 of this topic:  Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

 

 

Please create your drug signature using the following format.   Keep it simple.  NO diagnoses or symptoms please - thank you.

• details for last 2 years - dates, ALL drugs, doses
• summary for older than 2 years - just years and drug/s

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This is your own introductions topic where your can ask questions about your own situation and journal your progress.

[Rolls]

Thanks for your response. Answers as follows.

 

I went onto sertraline due to anxiety after a series of unfortunate life events.

 

I only became aware of acting out dream symptoms towards the end of the 15 month period i was using sertraline. I was unaware of any instances of acting out dreams before this.

 

I am experiencing a moderate to high level of stress due to aforementioned  life events.

 

I am taking ace inhibitors  (blood pressure meds) and statins.

[Altostrata]

Hello, Rolls.

 

No one here has ever reported dreaming of kicking at snakes as a withdrawal effect. However, since this started while you were on the drug, I suppose it could be a side effect. When you say you're kicking at snakes, are you dreaming about snakes or are you saying your legs are moving in a kicking motion?

 

I wouldn't worry about this happening occasionally, most likely, it will gradually go away.

 

If dreaming of snakes is very worrisome to you, I would see a psychotherapist about it.

 

It's possible your other drugs are causing odd symptoms. Please put ALL your drugs in the Drug Interactions Checker https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.php
and copy and paste the results or a link to them in this topic.

 

[Rolls]

2 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Hello, Rolls.

 

No one here has ever reported dreaming of kicking at snakes as a withdrawal effect. However, since this started while you were on the drug, I suppose it could be a side effect. When you say you're kicking at snakes, are you dreaming about snakes or are you saying your legs are moving in a kicking motion?

 

I wouldn't worry about this happening occasionally, most likely, it will gradually go away.

 

If dreaming of snakes is very worrisome to you, I would see a psychotherapist about it.

 

It's possible your other drugs are causing odd symptoms. Please put ALL your drugs in the Drug Interactions Checker https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.php
and copy and paste the results or a link to them in this topic.

 

Thanks for your response. I have been acting out my dreams more generally. The snake one was an example of but one dream. I was running away in the dream and moving my legs. Another time i actually punched my dear wife in the back as i was fighting someone in my dream.

 

In normal sleep you are meant to be paralysed. When the body starts moving in reaction to dreams it's known as rbd sleep disorder.

 

Various studies have shown ssri's can cause this problem. Refer to below link.

 

It's interesting that no one has reported this on the forum. Im also quite anxious, as if it's not related to my ssri use, most people who have this problem naturally eventually develop a neuro disease such as parkinsons.

 

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-06/mc-rsb061506.php