Bontril and Insomnia

There are many possible side effects of Bontril, and insomnia appears to be one of them. Sometimes, improving your sleep habits can help. For example, try avoiding naps after 3 p.m., keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle, and avoiding exercise within two hours of bedtime. If you are taking Bontril and insomnia symptoms do not improve after adjusting your sleep habits, talk to your healthcare provider.

 

Bontril and Insomnia: An Introduction

Bontril® (phendimetrazine tartrate) can cause insomnia, although the exact percentage of people who develop this side effect with Bontril has not been reported. Bontril can act as a stimulant, which is probably why the drug can cause insomnia.
 

What Is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a common problem and often involves the following symptoms:
 
  • Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep
  • Waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
  • Waking up too early in the morning
  • Sleep that is not refreshing or satisfying.
     

Bontril and Insomnia: Suggestions

If you are having trouble with insomnia due to Bontril, ask your healthcare provider about taking the drug earlier in the day. In some cases, simply developing good sleep habits can be effective (and is the least expensive and safest insomnia cure). Some tips for better sleep include the following:
 
  • Refrain from napping later than 3 p.m.
  • Avoid exercise within two hours of bedtime. Exercising five or six hours before bedtime, however, may help you sleep more soundly.
  • Avoid 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.
  • Sleep in a dark, quiet room at a comfortable temperature.
  • Do a quiet activity somewhere else if you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, and return to bed when you're sleepy.
  • 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.)
 
(Bontril 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;