What causes nightmares while on Paxil?
Patient: Quesstion: Have been having violent nightmares almost every night. Gotta get to what cause is. Used to take Paxil for depression - but not clinically depressed at all. Don t like a lot of pills with side effects - any suggestions gratefully considered. M. O Brien, Apache Jct. AZ Doctor: Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.  If on Paxil the nightmares are persisting then this means that the depressive symptoms are persisting and REM sleep duration is more. This result in non refreshing sleep and nightmares. You should consult your psychiatrist again for treatment. The dose of the drug should be increased which will improve the sleep and will help in reducing the nightmares.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.