Q. I have bipolar II disorder and am currently taking Zoloft, Effexor, and Tegretol. Since my diagnosis, I have been experiencing extremely vivid dreams. Most of them just very long and colorful, making absolutely no sense! For the past month or so most of my dreams have consisted of my riding on something that is moving very fast. For example a scooter or skis, something where I am in control of the speed, not like a public bus. Yesterday I woke after having a dream about riding on a skateboard and having fun. I went outside to get on my brothers skateboard! It was then that I realized it was only in my dreams. Why is this happening to me? Also I have times when my thoughts are so loud. The other night while trying to go to sleep I screamed at the top of my lungs, in my head! It really startled me. Any explanations?

  A. No good explanations. Zoloft and Effexor can both change how you sleep, and this may be part of the vivid dreams. Talk it over with your doctor and see what they have to say. I am not very good at the meaning of dreams, mostly because I think they do not mean much to start with for anyone.