Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Hypnic jerks and dreams during sleep
Dear sir/ma'am,
I was using Rexipra Forte 20 (Escitalopram Oxalate 20mg + clonazapem 0.5 mg) from last 7 months. Recently, from last 5 days, I was experiencing hypnic jerks during sleep and also getting dreams during sleep.
Kindly suggest why this happens and is there anything to worry about?
Answers (12)
It seems to be a subdued panic attack which is a reaction to the hypersensitive nervous system due to anxiety disorder.
It needs to be treated asap otherwise it may get complicated and can affect your daily life.
It can be well treated with counseling sessions and homeopathic medicine effectively and without any side effects.
It needs to be addressed in a holistic approach for complete recovery.
You need an expert psychologist who is a good homeopathic physician.
Next Steps
I have been working as a Homeopathic Psychiatrist and Counseling psychologist for the last 17 years of experience. You can contact me through an online appointment for further assistance.
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
Hi
Hypnic jerks simply happen due to over stimulated nervous system which may have been caused due to stress anxiety or a
depression or fatigue. Hence they’re harmless.
As regards dreams we need to understand if they’re nightmares or normal dreams. In case it is nightmares or night terrors then there maybe some trauma that needs to be processed for which u can seek my appointment or any other clinical psychologist
Next Steps
Seek a clinical psychologist
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Dreams can often become vivid or unsettling when someone is on psychiatric medication. Many antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or mood stabilizers can influence the sleep cycle : especially REM sleep, the stage when most dreaming occurs. This doesn’t always mean something is wrong; it’s simply how the brain adjusts to chemical changes.
If your dreams have become more intense or disturbing, here are a few gentle tips:
Keep a sleep routine. Try to sleep and wake up at the same time daily to stabilize your REM cycle.
Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, or screens close to bedtime they can make dreams more vivid.
Remember : vivid dreams don’t always signal a problem; they can be part of your mind healing and processing emotions. The goal isn’t to stop dreaming but to help you rest peacefully while your treatment continues to support your mental health.
Next Steps
You can also consult with me for more in depth session and management
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Hi,
Hypnic jerks are brief, involuntary muscle twitches that can occur as you’re falling asleep. They’re quite common and usually harmless, though they may feel unsettling. The vivid dreams and jerks you’re experiencing could be related to medication effects (especially from clonazepam or escitalopram), stress, or sleep disturbances.
It’s not usually a cause for concern, but since this is a new change after several months on medication, it’s best to discuss it with your prescribing psychiatrist. They may review your current dosage or timing of the medicine. Maintaining good sleep hygiene, reducing caffeine, or any other intoxicating substances and managing stress can also help reduce these episodes.
If you feel comfortable, consulting a psychologist may also help you ease things out for you basis your symptoms.
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Hello Ma'am,
Iam sorry, I might not be the right person to give you a definitive answer on this, as I'm a counselling psychologist.
Nevertheless, would like to advice to limit your use of nicotine ( if so) and consult your doctor on the dosage change if required.
Hope this helps for the time being!
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Hypnic jerks during sleep are usually harmless, sudden muscle twitches that can occur as you are falling asleep and are commonly experienced by many people. In rare cases, they can be triggered or intensified by medications such as escitalopram (an SSRI antidepressant) and sometimes even improve with clonazepam (a benzodiazepine) which you are already taking.
Next Steps
1. Maintain proper sleep hygiene (regular schedule, avoid caffeine in evenings, manage stress).
2.Discuss with your psychiatrist before making any changes in prescribed medication, as abrupt changes can cause withdrawal or worsen symptoms.
3. Report persistent or severe symptoms for specialist evaluation to rule out rare causes or sleep disorders
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Hi... Dreams or hypnic jerks are not typical side effects of this medication. I believe you are suffering from severe anxiety and stress. Please always mention your issues in detail. Typically a combination of medications & psychotherapy works best in such cases. It appears you have been repressing something from a long time or may be you experienced something that your conscious mind is unable to accept and pushing it back into your subconscious & unconscious mind. This might be creating a severe discomfort and these repressed issues are trying to find an expression, a release into your conscious mind in the form of these dreams & hypnic jerks.
Next Steps
Consult a Psychologist.
Psychoanalysis and Dream Analysis is required.
CBT will help in recovery.
Health Tips
Mr. Gunjan Maithil
Senior Psychologist
Cell: nine six seven one three zero three one three four
Website: https://gunjanmaithil.wixsite.com/therapy
App: http://wix.to/fECHB08?ref=cl
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.