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Some people may be at risk of photosensitive seizures without knowing it or having previously been diagnosed with epilepsy. An estimated 1 in 4,000 people has a form of photosensitive epilepsy, and 90% of patients experience their first seizure before age 20.

Photosensitive epilepsy is often inherited from parents (particularly photosensitive mothers, whose children have a 25% chance of showing signs of photosensitivity) [1]. Even people with no history of seizures or epilepsy may have an undiagnosed condition that could lead to "photosensitive epileptic seizures" when using Dream Machine.

If at any time you experience involuntary movements (such as spasms), convulsions, muscle contractions, a lapse in awareness (loss of consciousness), confusion, a strong feeling of déjà vu, intense dizziness, or fainting, stop using Dream Machine immediately and consult your doctor. Do not resume use without your doctor's approval.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above while using Dream Machine, covering your eyes can considerably reduce the risk of these symptoms developing into a full convulsive seizure.

Photosensitive epilepsy
Photosensitive epilepsy is a form of epilepsy in which seizures can be triggered by flashing lights or changing light patterns.

There are several types of photosensitive epilepsy (epileptic syndromes in which seizures can be triggered by flashing light):
• Hereditary or potentially hereditary epilepsies are often photosensitive and include:
• Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
• Primary generalized epilepsies
• Juvenile absence epilepsy
• Childhood absence epilepsy
• Eyelid myoclonia with absences (Jeavons syndrome)
• Epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures upon awakening
• Occipital lobe epilepsy is also frequently photosensitive.

Spontaneous epileptic symptoms
Unexplained loss of consciousness, involuntary jerking of the limbs or head in the morning, absence episodes, or brief losses of consciousness upon waking that may lead to difficulty concentrating can be signs of potentially photosensitive epilepsy.

These spontaneous epileptic symptoms are a good indicator of the risk of photosensitive seizures, even in people with no clear history of photosensitivity.
Even one episode of any of these symptoms is a significant risk factor. You must not use Dream Machine if you have ever experienced any of them.

Brain injury
You must not use Dream Machine if you have had any brain injury, such as a stroke, trauma, encephalitis, a brain infection or abscess, severe meningitis, or brain surgery, especially if recent.

You must not use Dream Machine if you have had a brain tumor. Seizures are more likely in the days following a brain injury, but a first seizure can occur 30 years or more later.

Pregnancy
You must not use Dream Machine during pregnancy, particularly in the later stages, because seizures are more frequent during pregnancy and can cause serious or even fatal harm to the unborn child [5].

Sleep deprivation
You must not use Dream Machine after periods of sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep significantly lowers the seizure threshold, increasing the risk of seizures in people who are susceptible.

Medications that can trigger seizures
We advise against using Dream Machine if you are currently taking any medication containing one of the following substances, as these substances may increase the risk of seizures.
If you are unsure whether a medication you are taking could trigger seizures, consult the doctor who prescribed it.

Medications used to treat lung or respiratory conditions:
• Aminophylline
• Theophylline

Antibiotics:
• Isoniazid
• Lindane
• Metronidazole
• Nalidixic acid
• Penicillins
• Ciprofloxacin

Antimalarials:
• Mefloquine
• Chloroquine (also used for certain rheumatologic conditions)

Antidepressants:
• Bupropion
• Clomipramine

Immunosuppressants:
• Chlorambucil
• Cyclosporine

Sedatives:
• Diphenhydramine (Nytol)
• Promethazine
• Other antihistamines

Opiates and opioids:
• Morphine
• Other opioids
• Codeine
• Fentanyl
• Meperidine (pethidine)
• Pentazocine
• Propoxyphene
• Tramadol

Stimulants:
• Amphetamines
• Cocaine
• Methylphenidate
• Phenylpropanolamine

Medications for nausea and vertigo:
• Cyclizine
• Prochlorperazine
• Domperidone

Antipsychotics:
• Clozapine
• Chlorpromazine and other phenothiazines
• Haloperidol, benperidol, droperidol, melperone, azaperone (butyrophenones)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
• Mefenamic acid
• Aspirin
• Diclofenac
• Indomethacin

Anticholinergics:
• Oxybutynin

Medications for spasticity:
• Baclofen

Dementia medications:
• Donepezil
• Rivastigmine
• Galantamine
• Memantine

Triptan medications for migraine:
• Sumatriptan (Imigran)
• Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
• Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
• Frovatriptan
• Naratriptan

Erectile dysfunction medications:
• Tadalafil (Cialis)
• Sildenafil (Viagra)

We review this list regularly to keep it up to date with the latest knowledge about medications that can trigger seizures.

Alcohol and sedative withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms generally appear about 6 hours after stopping alcohol consumption and can last up to 6 days. These symptoms include seizures, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, emotional lability, tremors, confusion, sweating, and blurred vision.

Seizures are among the most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and, in some cases, may be the only symptom.
Alcohol withdrawal seizures mainly occur early in withdrawal: more than 90% occur within 48 hours of stopping alcohol consumption. In more than 50% of cases, other risk factors for epilepsy are also present.
About 5% of cases of alcohol withdrawal seizures progress to consecutive, uncontrolled epileptic seizures (status epilepticus), a medical emergency that can cause death or brain damage.

After very prolonged alcohol consumption, withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, can last up to 2 weeks after stopping alcohol. They may also include visual and auditory hallucinations and illusions.

Very similar symptoms, including seizures, can occur if sedatives are stopped abruptly after prolonged use.

Mental health disorders
You must not use Dream Machine if you have symptoms associated with psychosis, which may include seeing or hearing things that others do not perceive. Strobe lighting can induce hallucinatory experiences, which may be distressing if you already have psychosis.

You must not use Dream Machine if you experience panic attacks, have been diagnosed with a dissociative disorder, or experience severe episodes of dissociation.

Panic attacks are sudden, unexpected episodes of anxiety that intensify rapidly. They may involve feelings of terror, fear of dying, and dissociation (a feeling of unreality).

Dissociative disorders may include:
• depersonalization-derealization disorder (a feeling of unreality about yourself, your body, and/or your surroundings),
• dissociative amnesia (memory gaps involving events or personal information related to trauma or intense stress, beyond ordinary forgetting),
• and dissociative identity disorder (the presence of two or more distinct personalities).
• Dissociation can also occur with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), when people experience flashbacks: intense memories or the feeling of reliving traumatic events.
• Strobe lighting may trigger feelings of anxiety and/or dissociation in people prone to these experiences.
• If you are experiencing intense suicidal thoughts, feelings, or urges, we do not recommend using Dream Machine. Instead, seek help from loved ones, family, or a healthcare professional.

Still have questions?

If you have read this document and still have questions, you can contact us at any time at support@dream-machine.tech

If you are unsure, use Dream Machine only with your doctor's approval.