Does duloxetine cause nightmares? (+5 factors)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss duloxetine-induced nightmares and the research studies on the effects of duloxetine on nightmares and vivid dreams. We will also discuss the factors that may increase the risk of nightmares while taking duloxetine and the management tips for vivid dreams.
Does duloxetine cause nightmares?
Duloxetine may cause nightmares in some individuals. However, it is not frequently reported side effect of duloxetine. The occurrence of nightmares and vivid dreams in individuals taking duloxetine may depend on different factors such as the individual sensitivity to medication and underlying health conditions.
Duloxetine is an antidepressant medication, that works by interfering with the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. The elevated levels of these neurotransmitters are involved in the regulation of mood and reduction of sadness and other symptoms associated with various mental disorders. It is commonly prescribed in the management of depression, anxiety, and fibromyalgia (1).
Sleep disturbances are commonly associated with the use of duloxetine, however, the incidence of nightmares is low as compared to other side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and headaches (1).
What does research suggest?
According to research, duloxetine may decrease rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and alter sleep architecture, potentially influencing changes in dream patterns (2).
In a research study assessing the potential of antidepressant medications to induce nightmares, the findings revealed that nightmares were a common side effect across most selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors including duloxetine. However, duloxetine was associated with a comparatively lower incidence of nightmares (3).
It is important to note that a few research studies have also reported that duloxetine may reduce the occurrence of vivid dreams in individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (4).
What factors can increase the risk of duloxetine-induced nightmares?
Several factors may increase the risk of nightmares associated with the use of duloxetine. These factors may include:
Individual sensitivity: Individual responses to medication may vary from one person to another. Some individuals are more sensitive to the side effects of duloxetine including nightmares.
High dosage: The risk of experiencing side effects from duloxetine, including bad dreams, increases with the dose of the medication. Higher doses are more commonly associated with the occurrence of side effects. For this reason, healthcare providers initiate treatment with a low dose of duloxetine to minimize the likelihood of unwanted side effects.
Concurrent medications: The concurrent use of nightmare-causing medications with duloxetine, doubles the risk of experiencing nightmares. These medications may include other antidepressants such as fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, and sertraline.
Medical history: Individuals with underlying mental disorders such as stress, anxiety, and psychosis are more susceptible to the nightmares caused by duloxetine.
Adjustment period: Side effects of duloxetine mostly occur in individuals during the initial phase of treatment when the body is adjusting to the medication. However, these side effects usually subside gradually after the adjustment period.
What to do if duloxetine causes nightmares?
If you experience unbearable nightmares after using duloxetine, you should consult your healthcare provider. They may evaluate your condition and determine the exact cause of your bad dreams. Sometimes, the nightmares are associated with the mental disorders for which duloxetine is prescribed. In such cases, healthcare providers recommend antidepressant medications that are less likely to exacerbate the nightmares.
If duloxetine is responsible for the nightmares that are compromising the quality of life of an individual, healthcare providers may adjust the dosage or recommend an alternative medication to duloxetine, which has a low incidence of causing nightmares.
However, if you experience nightmares during the initial period of treatment, they may subside once your body adjusts to the medication. In such cases, you should wait for a few weeks. If the side effects persist after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment, consult your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms.
What are the alternatives to duloxetine if it causes nightmares?
While duloxetine is generally associated with a lower likelihood of causing distressing nightmares, if you consistently experience nightmares that significantly impact your quality of life, it may be advisable to explore alternative treatments for depression, fibromyalgia, PTSD, and other conditions for which duloxetine is prescribed. These alternatives may include:
- phenelzine
- venlafaxine
- prazosin
- gabapentin
- trazodone
Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals.
To my knowledge, duloxetine is associated with a low incidence of nightmares, and patients less commonly report this side effect in clinical settings. The medication is generally well-tolerated and less likely to cause serious side effects. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms after taking duloxetine, report it to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Dhaliwal JS, Spurling BC, Molla M. Duloxetine. 2023 May 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31747213. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31747213
2.-
Tan, Lu & Zhou, Junying & Yang, Linghui & Ren, Rong & Zhang, Ye & Li, Taomei & Tang, Xiangdong. (2017). Duloxetine-induced rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder: A case report. BMC Psychiatry. 17. 10.1186/s12888-017-1535-4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321195919
3.-
Johan Natter, Taïoh Yokoyama, Bruno Michel, Relative frequency of drug-induced sleep disorders for 32 antidepressants in a large set of Internet user reviews, Sleep, Volume 44, Issue 12, December 2021, zsab174, https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsab174
4.-
Walderhaug E, Kasserman S, Aikins D, Vojvoda D, Nishimura C, Neumeister A. Effects of duloxetine in treatment-refractory men with posttraumatic stress disorder. Pharmacopsychiatry. 2010 Mar;43(2):45-9. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1237694. Epub 2009 Dec 15. PMID: 20108200. ahttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20108200/
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
