Adipex and Insomnia

A number of side effects have been reported with Adipex. Insomnia appears to be a possible side effect, although the exact percentage of people who developed this problem during clinical trials was not reported. If you are taking Adipex and insomnia occurs, you can try improving your sleep habits, taking the drug earlier in the day, or talking to your healthcare provider about other treatments.

 

Is Insomnia an Adipex Side Effect?

Insomnia is a possible side effect of Adipex-P® (phentermine). However, the exact percentage of people who developed insomnia with Adipex-P has not been reported. Adipex-P can act as a stimulant, which is most likely why it sometimes causes insomnia.
 

Do I Have Insomnia?

Even though insomnia is very common, not everyone understands the various symptoms of insomnia well. You may have insomnia if you have any of the following insomnia symptoms:
 
  • Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep
  • Waking up too early in the morning
  • Waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
  • Sleep that is not refreshing or satisfying.
     

Adipex and Insomnia: Suggestions

Make sure you are taking Adipex-P early in the day (taking it late in the day can keep people awake). In some cases, simply developing good sleep habits can be very helpful (and can be a safe and inexpensive insomnia cure). Some tips for better sleep include:
 
  • Sleep in a dark, quiet room with a comfortable temperature.
  • If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, do a quiet activity somewhere else and return to bed when you're sleepy.
  • Don't exercise within two hours of bedtime. Exercising five or six hours before bedtime may help you sleep more soundly.
  • Don't nap later than 3 p.m.
  • Don't eat large meals within two hours of bedtime.
  • Keep a regular sleep-wake cycle. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine in the four to six hours before bedtime.
  • Wind down in the 30 minutes before bedtime with a relaxing pre-sleep ritual such as a warm bath, soft music, or reading.
     
(Click Good Sleep Habits for more suggestions.)
 
(Adipex and Insomnia Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;