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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does anyone have weird dreams with RA?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Utah

Im trying to decide if it's the Zoloft or something else. About the time I started Zoloft in 2024 I started talking in my sleep and like if I hand someone something in my dream I actually do it physically. Well this morning I was walking or running and I looked down and there was a worm coming out of ground. No biggie. But then it started getting bigger and coming at me. I moved to get away from it and rolled out of bed landed on my knees. Tore off the skin on them. Hit my side table but… read more

May 3
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a question about weird dreams with RA, with many agreeing that antidepressants like Zoloft are likely behind the vivid... Read more

Members rallied around a question about weird dreams with RA, with many agreeing that antidepressants like Zoloft are likely behind the vivid dreams, sleeptalking, and physical acting out during sleep. Several members shared their own experiences with similar medications causing nightmares or disorientation, and recommended calling a doctor to adjust the dose or switch medications, with one member noting that changing the time of day they took their medication helped. A recurring theme was the importance of reporting sleep disturbances to a doctor quickly, keeping notes on medication changes, and taking practical safety steps like sleeping in the middle of the bed.

A myRAteam Member

Hi, so sorry to hear about your bad experience!
I used to work as a psychiatric nurse and it sounds like it is definitely side effects from the Zoloft. See your dr. Or phone tomorrow. How long have you been on it?
MuffinGran

May 3
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member I have never experienced anything like you have described.

What an absolutely Rude Awakening that had to have been. And I have no doubt you are hurting like the dickens today.

Best to call the Dr tomorrow and report this. Might need to change from Zoloft to something else.

Sorry you are having problems but this needs addressed sooner rather than later!

May 3
myRAteam

Oh no — that worm had absolutely no business being that aggressive! 😄 But in all seriousness, rolling out of bed and landing on your knees sounds really painful, especially with RA in the mix. Hope you're icing those knees and taking it easy today!

What you're describing — acting out your dreams physically — is worth Show Full Answer

Oh no — that worm had absolutely no business being that aggressive! 😄 But in all seriousness, rolling out of bed and landing on your knees sounds really painful, especially with RA in the mix. Hope you're icing those knees and taking it easy today!

What you're describing — acting out your dreams physically — is worth bringing up with your doctor soon, particularly because of the injury risk it creates. Sleep is already a big challenge for many people with RA. Some things that can disrupt sleep and dreaming patterns include:

- RA medications like prednisone and hydroxychloroquine are known to interfere with sleep
- Pain and inflammation can affect sleep quality and cycles
- Restless legs syndrome, which is more common with RA, can also disrupt sleep

Since your symptoms started around the same time as Zoloft, that timing is definitely something to flag with your prescribing doctor. Acting out dreams physically can sometimes signal a sleep issue that needs proper evaluation — and with already sensitive joints, protecting yourself from nighttime falls and injuries is really important.

May 3
A myRAteam Member

Carol,
I had nightmares when I took Zoloft. I would wake up and not know where I was at. I take Effexor in am and Elavil at night. I put my CPAP on and sleep like a baby for 6 hours which is great for me. So I suggest you call the doctor and get it changed or dose adjusted. Also what dosage do you take? When I started taking elavil 50mg at night. I was dreaming crap and did not feel that I was sleeping. I would be tired the next day. Then I got an increase to 100 mg and it works great.
Have you taken any other meds for anxiety or depression?
Do you have a problem falling asleep?
What time do you take the Zoloft?
I remember when some sleeping or antidepressants were reviewed by the FDA because people were waking up Get in a car and drive. They didn’t know or remember going anywhere.
Keep notes about meds and changes even if it’s a dose change.
I have true brain fog so I write down things. Plus I’m old. Lol

May 3
A myRAteam Member

Thank you for all of your posts. MuffinGran, I will take yous and some of the other recommendations to call my doc tomorrow.

May 3

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