[starfish5]

I was taken off of Lithium last month due to side effects. Since then I wake up throughout the night with nightmares. I remember the nightmares at first when I wake up but then fall back asleep until another one wakes me. I just started on an increased dose of Depakote but am not stabilized on it yet. It is helping a little bit-I'm only waking up on average 4 times a night.

In addition to having Bipolar NOS I have PTSD. And I'm just coming out of a month that is a major trigger for both. Does anyone out there have any suggestions for dealing with nightmares? My Bipolar doesn't mix well with a lack of sleep.

[Travelinglady]

Hello, starfish5, and welcome to Psych Central! I rarely have a problem with what can be called nightmares, but here are some suggestions: http://www.dreaminterpretation-dicti...in-adults.html. I hope you can deal with them soon.

[starfish5]

Thanks for the information Travelinglady. The increased Depakote is now working and I'm finally sleeping through the night. And thanks for the hugs.

[HonestlyLying]

Hi Starfish,

I can say for certain that my P.T.S.D. has caused me a great deal of hellish nightmares. I hope you stop having them. I have one particular nightmare that is recurring. It's caused by adolescent sexual trauma and it's a real black, death oriented and a totally bizarre one.

I've been on both Lithium and DepaKote. That's one of the reasons I became anorexic. The weight gain simply killed me and someone just had to point out how bulbous I had become.

I don't know how to cognitively stop them but I'll say a prayer for you.

Lauren Ann