Recurring nightmares-any suggestions??

Question

I have had the same nightmares for about 4 years now. I went through some domestic violence and I keep having nightmares that he shoots me multiple times. I started taking paxil about 8 weeks ago, but the nightmares continue ..even after 4 years. What should I do?

Answer 1

A therapist may be your answer.

I know some people sometimes feel embarrassed going to a therapist and saying 'Look I'm getting nightmares', but believe me, people in past have gone to extreme measures to get rid of nightmares, and some have even commit suicide it's gotten that bad.

I hope this helps =)

Answer 2

First off, I'm truly sorry to hear about your situation ... nightmares in and of themself are disturbing and can affect us beyond our dream-state ... to have endured these nighmares for over four years is beyond the pale.

There are, in my view, two distinct -and separate- issues you're faced with, i) continuing nighmares, and ii) taking paxil.

Paxil is considered a psychotropic medication and, as such, is typically a remediation for the likes of major depressive disorders, panic disorder, social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post traumatic stress disorder (PSTD) and others; in my layman's understanding, the drug is used as an inhibitor to the brain-based chemical, serotonin.  

My point is, did your physician and/or psychiatrist prescribe the paxil as a means of reducing or eliminating the nightmares -or for some other possible disorder.  I believe that must be clear for you and it's worth a conversation with your doctors to determine the intent of the paxil.

The reason I mention that is because -at this point- it's difficult to see the relationship between recurring nightmares and the taking of paxil ... and it would be more disconcerting if, in fact, the paxil was prescribed as a means for addressing the nightmares.  Please try to get concrete information from your physicians and/or therapists regarding this connection (i.e., paxil and the nightmares).

At the same time, you mentioned you "went through some domestic violence."  That, in itself is a trauma and may (or may not) be the basis of your nightmares.  If so, then the paxil may be seen as a means for ameliorating a type of post traumatic stress disorder.  However, if that is the case, it's also worth discussing "therapy" as an adjunct to taking the paxil.

Finally, if you eventually see a therapist and agree to some sessions, be sure your therapist has the training and understanding of the impact that dreams have on our lives.  In short, we all need to get restful sleep ... our sleep is the very basis for our health.  If you're having nightmares, it seems that you are most likely not sleeping well also ... all this can promote a cycle of despair and frustration.  You deserve better ... and you can be better.  Take that first step tomorrow ... good luck.

Answer 3

Speak to your doc about these nightmares, he should give you some good advice and maybe something to control your nightmares.

Answer 4

I know this sounds odd but it is how I got over mine. Everytime I got that nightmare or any other I take control of the dream. Yes, I said it. It's possible and by facing these nightmares with something totally illogical such as turning them into something else or saving someone in the same situation (maybe yourself?). To control depression, fear and the mind takes practice and I've found that pills don't do a thing. I applied the same mind set when I was involved in a potentially fatal accident and never had recurring nightmares from it. Again, I know it sounds nuts and out there but I truely believe that we are the masters of our feelings and thoughts. Just a suggestion. Good luck.

Answer 5

any chance you can stop sleeping?