From the Research
Yes, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) can cause sleepwalking in some individuals, though this is considered an uncommon side effect. SSRIs such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), escitalopram (Lexapro), and citalopram (Celexa) have been associated with various sleep disturbances, including sleepwalking, as reported in a systematic review published in 2018 1. This occurs because SSRIs alter serotonin levels in the brain, which plays a role in regulating sleep architecture and can disrupt normal sleep cycles. Specifically, SSRIs tend to suppress REM sleep and can increase sleep fragmentation, potentially triggering parasomnias like sleepwalking.
Some key points to consider:
- The exact mechanism by which SSRIs induce sleepwalking is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to their effects on serotonin and REM sleep, as discussed in a study from 2005 2.
- If you experience sleepwalking while taking an SSRI, it's essential to report this to your healthcare provider immediately, as they may recommend adjustments to your treatment plan, such as taking the medication earlier in the day, adjusting the dosage, switching to a different SSRI, or implementing safety measures to prevent injury during sleepwalking episodes.
- Never stop taking an SSRI abruptly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms; any medication changes should be done under medical supervision, as emphasized in various studies, including one from 2013 3.
- It's also important to note that while SSRIs can cause sleepwalking, they are also used to treat underlying conditions that may contribute to sleepwalking, such as depression and anxiety, highlighting the need for careful consideration and monitoring in clinical practice, as suggested by a study from 2015 4.
Overall, while the evidence suggests that SSRIs can cause sleepwalking in some individuals, the risk is considered uncommon, and the benefits of SSRI treatment often outweigh the risks, especially when carefully managed by a healthcare provider, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 1.