Do OTC Pain Meds Give You Dreams/Nightmares?

[Grama-Herc]

My back and hip have been acting up lately and I've been taking Advil to ease the pain so I can sleep./

I am not one to dream. Usually do not dream at all, but since I've been taking 2 Advil at bedtime I've been having some very bizarre and disjointed dreams.

They have not been very frightening or anything like that just extremely weird. I was just wondering if anyone else has ever been through this?

 

[Blues in NYC]

Before diagnosis, I used to blame my frequent nightmares on any and everything under the sun except my trauma experience. Even when those nightmares matched my traumas, sometimes reliving events or barely veiled retellings of events.

Not saying this is what you are doing. But I've honestly never heard of OTC pain meds causing nightmares.

And I know you likely know this, but it bears repeating: Nightmares are a part of PTSD. My doc likes to check in with me regularly about what my current nightmares are. Sharing details with her has on occasion provided clues that have then lead to eventually recovering memories.

Anyways, I hope you do get some better sleep soon Grama. Be well.

~ Blues

 

[Deleted member 541]

Herc,

I have never heard of this either. But, I would think trying a little experiment might prove, or disprove it. Don't take anything for a day or two, and see if the dreams stop. Then take some and see if the dreams return.....

 

[fin]

I would think (and I searched on line also) that the relief of pain itself is maybe helping you to relax more and that in turn will help you (I would think) to sleep and dream. I have been told that we all dream we just dont always remember.

I would also think that if anything has maybe changed in what you are inputting or reading or even how you are thinking about some things that perhaps will reflect in what you are dreaming on.

If the pain is perhaps subsiding a little now, I would think that will also reflect on your relaxation during your sleep, being more open possibly to remembering your dreams and recalling them easier too.

I hope that this can help you Herc and while you have said your dreams seem weird I think it is hopefully a good sign and if nothing else at least the fact that you are getting better sleep now, and relief from the pain too and this will I hope help you more. Getting good rest will help you physically as well to take care of you~

 

[Petchen]

Before diagnosis, I used to blame my frequent nightmares on any and everything under the sun.

Ah yeah.....I'd ditto that...

I use a lot background noise now at night...rain, river, ocean sounds to quell the dreams. Seems to work some of the time. Eye cover and ear plugs help too. ;-)