Meridia and Insomnia

Clinical studies involving Meridia and insomnia have shown that insomnia is a common side effect of the medication. There are some ways to improve your sleep habits, such as keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle, avoiding caffeine in the four to six hours before bedtime, and refraining from taking a nap after 3 p.m. If you are taking Meridia and insomnia continues to be a problem, talk to your healthcare provider about possible treatment options.

 

Meridia and Insomnia: An Introduction

Insomnia is a common side effect of Meridia® (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate), occurring in up to 10.7 percent of people, compared to only 4.5 percent of people not taking the medication. Because of the way it works, Meridia can have a stimulatory effect in some people and cause difficulty sleeping.
 

What Is Insomnia?

People with insomnia have one or more of the following symptoms:
 
  • Waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
  • Waking up too early in the morning
  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Non-refreshing sleep.
     

Meridia and Insomnia: Suggestions

In some cases, improving sleep habits can help cure insomnia. Some tips for better sleep include:
 
  • Keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
  • Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine in the four to six hours before bedtime.
  • Refraining from exercise within two hours of bedtime. Exercising five or six hours before bedtime may help you sleep more soundly.
  • Avoiding large meals within two hours of bedtime.
  • Refraining from taking a nap later than 3 p.m.
  • Sleeping in a dark, quiet room at a comfortable temperature.
  • Doing a quiet activity somewhere else if you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, and returning to bed when you're sleepy.
  • Winding 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.)
 
(Meridia and Insomnia Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;