What is the reliability of medication influenced dreams-

[Faery-Wings]

I have been having some very strange and vivid dreams recently. I am also on Zoloft, which has a side affect of vivid dreams. Since I usually cannot remember my dreams when I wake up, I thought I would use this oppurtunity to start journaling them.

But on the other hand, I wonder about the "truth" of these dreams as they are obviously being affected by the meds I am taking.
Do you think that the meds are opening up my subconscious more easily or are they just screwing with my head?

[mucgwyrt]

The way I see it, what you dream will still come from your subconscious, so if it helps you remember it it's a good thing :)
I would say its no less reliable than 'normal' dreams :)

[Raihn]

Well, usually "medication-assisted dreams" are an exaggerated subconscious message. This also seems to happen during periods of fever or illness.

But what medication like Zoloft does is basically strengthen elements like the imagination. And so your subconscious can have a field day. *Chuckles* The dreams are still "reliable"...you will just have to tone down the message that your mind gives you, as it will be in a sort of hyper-active mode. Most medicated dreams read as stress dreams, so the best way to interpret them is to take them on a less literal level...because believe me...as I am sure you know, these visions can become very...odd.

The last time I had a fever, I dreamt I was a frog trapped in a swimming pool with rabbits and children trying to catch me. That one was a keeper. ;)

[Sylvan]

Ooh. I was just put on Zoloft and that would be a welcome side effect. Dreams would mean I'm enough used to the med that it is letting me sleep for once... :foh:

[Avalon]

I've always had vivid dreams...but I did notice that once I was on an anti-depressant, my dreams got a lot more...realistic. For instance, instead of dreaming about running a mile, I'd wake up in the morning with burning legs and fatigue, as if I had actually run it. Can't explain it. I'm on Paxil now, but I was on Zoloft, so I know of what you speak. :D

[Wascally Wabbit]

The medications are screwing with your head.

[Mnemosyne]

Hi Chryssi! I think that the medicine may be having an effect on your subconscious thoughts also. The medicine is changing your mood and hence changing your thoughts.

Weird- I've been having some vivid, bizarre dreams too lately, and I'm not on any medication.

[Heatherjoy]

I'm not sure what Zoloft medicates, but when I started to take prozac and then later efoflexor my dreams got more vivide and started coming true it became like having a de jarvous but u then work out that u dreamed it. I also feel that there is a theme running through the dreams, but cant work out what it is. The essence of the dream often stays with me for the rest of the day if not longer, I just cant recall details. Its cool but I would appritiate tips on remembering dreams when you wake up, in order to record them.