Pharmacology of dreaming

AbstractDreams can be a  distressing experience and disturb healthy sleep. And while dreams are common, fundamental questions about the origin and purpose of dreams are unanswered. Indeed, the physiological regulation of dreaming is also still poorly understood despite advances in sleep science. In this article, we summar ise how medications can cause bad dreams and what medications can be used to alleviate distressing dreams. Anti-depressants, beta-blockers, statins, psychostimulants, dopamine agonists, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are reviewed as potentially causing, or aggravating dysphoric dreams. Conversely, we review the use of medications to alleviate distressing dreams: prazosin, terazosin, doxazosin, clonidine, atypical antipsychotics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, benzodiazepines, gabapentin, topiramate, nabilone and phenelzine. However, compelling evidence is lacking to make any clear recommendation about a “drug of choice” for the treatment of dysphoric dreams.
Source: Somnologie - Schlafforschung und Schlafmedizin - Category: Sleep Medicine Source Type: research