Having bad dreams? Could be your meds

August 4, 2011|By Suzy Cohen, Dear Pharmacist

Dear Pharmacist: My doctor is referring me to a psychologist because I'm having so many bad dreams. These are new for me, and while I believe that dreams are "telling," I can't help but wonder if it's something I'm taking. In the last six months, I've begun taking three new prescriptions. Could my drugs have any bearing on my sleep or dream state? — T.H., Denver, Colo.

Dear T.H.: Yes, medications can definitely impact the way you sleep, and cause vivid dreaming, lucidness, even nightmares. There are more than 130 medications that can cause nightmares.

It's normal to have nightmares on occasion, but not all the time. I think dreams are a way for our unconscious mind to get our attention about a life situation, one that is particularly troubling. Nightmares are fairly common in kids, but they are not usually associated with any underlying psychological problems. About 5 to 8 percent of the adult population, mostly women, have to deal with recurring nightmares. They're also considered one of the hallmark symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Below is a list of some of the most popular drugs or dietary supplements that have the potential to affect dreaming. If you see your medication on the list, and nightmares have become troublesome for you, then speak with your doctor about lowering your dose a little bit, switching medication categories, or trying something natural. Find more at SuzyCohen.com.

Albuterol: inhaler for asthma or bronchospasm

Amitriptyline, doxepin: two older antidepressants

Statins: used to lower cholesterol

Bisoprolol: blood pressure drug

Carbidopa/Levodopa: used for Parkinson's disease

Cetirizine: antihistamine

Citalopram, Escitalopram: two newer, popular antidepressants

HCTZ (Hydrochlorothiazide): diuretic used to reduce blood pressure

Melatonin: natural sleep aid, but excessive amounts can cause nightmares

Propranolol: used for high blood pressure, migraines and heartbeat irregularities

Zanamivir: used for influenza

Zolpidem: popular sleep medication


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