Nighttime Spitting: Is It Normal?
(26 years old, taking escitalopram 20mg daily for depression and anxiety, with about two years on this medication. I don’t take any other prescribed medications. I used to drink heavily, but I’ve quit.) This bizarre issue keeps occurring, and it's becoming quite frustrating. Often, while immersed in strange and vivid dreams (thanks to my medication), I find myself building up saliva in the front of my mouth. I then end up spitting it out onto my pillow, which jolts me awake. This has happened about a dozen times over the last year. Just to clarify, I’m not drooling; I’m fully committing to this action! While it’s honestly quite amusing, I can’t help but wonder if it’s something I should be worried about. My hydration levels are adequate, typically ranging from 1 to 2.5 liters a day, depending on my activities. Initially, when I began taking escitalopram, I experienced intense thirst and dry mouth, but those side effects faded after about six months. My latest blood tests came back completely normal. Am I just unusual in this regard? My pillowcases are really taking a beating!
Answers (1)
8/18/2025, 5:11:26 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a unique situation of excessive saliva production during vivid dreams, which can be both frustrating and amusing. While this is not a common side effect of escitalopram, it can occur due to various factors, including changes in your sleep patterns, dream intensity, or your body’s response to the medication over time.
Understanding Nighttime Spitting:
- Medication Effects: Some individuals on certain antidepressants report unusual sleep behaviors or changes in saliva production. Although you have adjusted to escitalopram, your body might still react in unexpected ways during sleep.
- Vivid Dreams and Sleep Quality: Vivid dreams can create physical reactions, such as increased salivation. This is linked to how deeply you are experiencing dreams or your sleep architecture changing due to your medication.
- Behavioral Patterns: The act of intentionally spitting out saliva suggests that it may be a learned behavior that occurs during sleep disruption.
Next Steps:
- Hydration Monitoring: Ensure your hydration levels remain adequate (1 to 2.5 liters is good), as dehydration can sometimes lead to increased salivation as a compensatory mechanism.
- Sleep Environment: Consider evaluating your sleep environment and habits. Aim for a consistent sleep schedule, avoid heavy meals before bed, and manage stress as these can influence sleep quality.
- Minimize Disruptions: Keeping your pillowcase and bedding clean is important for comfort. You might want to place a towel on your pillow to absorb any saliva, which could help manage the situation while you evaluate causes.
- Journal Your Symptoms: Track when this occurs alongside any particular patterns in your dreams, stress levels, or changes in your routine. This could reveal insights into triggers.
- Relaxation Techniques: Implement relaxation techniques before bedtime, such as deep breathing or gentle stretches, to minimize anxiety and improve sleep dynamics.
If this issue continues or worsens, consider discussing it with your healthcare provider to explore any underlying factors that may need a more in-depth investigation. You’re not alone in experiencing oddities from medications, and finding coping strategies can significantly improve your comfort.
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