Question: I have vivid nightmares every night and I have a hard time getting back to sleep. Every time this happens I notice my bladder is full. This started about the time I was prescribed Flomax and Doxepin. Beside Dosepin I also take Valium, Restoril,Risperdal, and Clonodine at night.

Can a full bladder cause nightmares and difficulty getting back to sleep?

I have been taking Risperdal for some time with no problem. I started on Doxepin and Flomax near the same time. This was when the nightmares became severe. I have had nightmares for years probably due to my mental helth condition. Seroquel has been the only med that stops them but it is way too expensive.

I have been working on reducing my stress and obsessions. I drink a lot of fluids so 6 days ago I began to limit fluids to a minimum in the late afternoon. I also started taking my Valium 2 hours before bed so I could fall asleep with the least amount of stress. I take my other night meds when I go to bed. I thought Doxepin was my problem; however, since I changed my PM patterns 6 days ago my nightmares and wakeups are less severe and I have been able to get right back to sleep. I have averaged 9 hours of sleep during this time. I read numerous writings that say Flomax and a full bladder can cause nightmares. It usally said something like it disrupts your REM sleep. I guess when your bladder gets full it sends signals to the brains and certain muscles or organs may become awake changing your sleep.

Does my changes and scenarios have any medical merit?