Phentermine and Insomnia

Phentermine promotes weight loss by triggering the release of hormones that suppress hunger signals and boost concentration and alertness.

However, as a result of this increased energy and alertness, many patients battle phentermine insomnia. When persistent, this common phentermine side effect can make getting enough sleep a frustratingly difficult task.

Does Phentermine Cause Insomnia?

Yes, insomnia is the second most common side effect of phentermine ( 1 ). According to a recent online poll, more than half of patients experience phentermine insomnia ( 2 ).

Why Phentermine Causes Insomnia

Phentermine functions as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, in many ways similar to amphetamine. It increases levels of a class of chemicals in the brain called catecholamines, which includes dopamine and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).

This chemical change produces a temporary but significant, boost in energy and a decrease in appetite, which is what helps patients lose weight ( 3 ). Unfortunately, that same cascade can also cause difficulty sleeping.

Patients’ increased levels of energy and alertness often extend into the night and make it hard to fall asleep, even despite feelings of extreme tiredness.

How Long Does Insomnia Last with Phentermine?

Many patients experience insomnia during the first few days or weeks of treatment, but most people experience some relief as the body adjusts to phentermine.

If this side effect continues (e.g. you are still experiencing phentermine insomnia after 2 months), consult with your doctor. He or she may suggest a lower dose, amend your dosing schedule or suggest lifestyle modifications to help you overcome this side effect.

Contact your prescribing doctor if phentermine insomnia persists past the first week of treatment, grows more severe, or interferes with your daily tasks.

How to Deal with Insomnia from Phentermine

Phentermine insomnia can keep you up for hours or even days at a time, despite intense feelings of tiredness. So many people wonder how to fall asleep on phentermine. There is no magic phentermine insomnia cure, but there are some common strategies that help phentermine insomnia go away.

If you find yourself battling recurrent insomnia, try these five simple tips to sleep when on phentermine:

1. Take Phentermine Earlier

Take phentermine first thing in the morning to reduce the risk of phentermine insomnia. Most patients take their pill on an empty stomach, either 30 minutes before or 1-2 hours after breakfast.

Phentermine reaches its maximum potency in the blood after about 1-3 hours and is completely absorbed in 4-6 hours, depending on physical activity and the amount of food in the stomach ( 3 ). However, most patients feel phentermine’s energy-boosting effects for closer to 10-14 hours ( 4 ).

So, doctors and pharmacists recommend taking the last dose pill at least 8-10 hours before bedtime to minimize medication-related insomnia.

2. Cut Out Caffeine

Excess caffeine consumption interferes with your ability to get enough restful, reparative sleep.

More, it’s best to steer clear of caffeinated beverages while taking phentermine due to the medication’s already-strong stimulant effects. Consuming caffeine while taking phentermine can cause or exacerbate adverse reactions like racing heart, chest pain, or high blood pressure ( 5 ).

Avoid coffee, caffeinated tea, colas, and energy drinks – all of which contain caffeine. Instead, opt for caffeine-free, sugar-free options like water, milk, or herbal tea.

3. Get Moving

One way to burn off the extra energy from phentermine and reduce insomnia is to increase daily activity. This can come in the form of either formal workouts or simply moving more throughout the day.

Evidence indicates that working out first thing in the morning is best for overcoming insomnia. In fact, the National Sleep Foundation reports that “people who work out on a treadmill at 7:00 am sleep longer, experience deeper sleep cycles, and spend 75 percent more time in the most reparative stages of slumber than those who exercise at later times that day” ( 6 ).

But don’t worry: afternoon workouts also help combat insomnia. The only time of day that exercise does not help with insomnia from phentermine is late at night.

Aerobic exercise too close to bedtime increases core body temperature and signals your body not to sleep. If you have some extra energy late at night, opt for a more relaxing exercise like yoga or stretching ( 6 ).

4. Disconnect Before Bed

Research shows that too much screen time negatively affects users’ mental health and can interfere with restful sleep ( 7 ). So, try to disconnect 1-2 hours before bedtime by turning off smartphones, computers, and televisions. Use that time to read a book, meditate or take a warm bath to wind down instead.

5. Make Your Bedroom an Oasis

Keep your bedroom free of technological devices, work, or other distractions. By designating the room as a space for rest and relaxation, you’re signaling to your brain that a bedroom is a place for sleep, not stress and wakefulness.

Take a moment to consider the physical environment in your room as well. Make sure your bedroom is a comfortable temperature for sleeping (preferably on the cooler side) and that light from the street or other rooms is kept to a minimum.

Can You Take Melatonin with Phentermine?

Many patients wonder, “Can you take sleeping pills with phentermine?”.

Unfortunately, it’s not a simple yes or no answer

Some combinations are dangerous, while others can help you sleep and promote greater weight loss. However, sleeping pills are not a safe option for all patients, so it’s important that you speak directly with your prescribing physician and pharmacist.

Phentermine and Melatonin

Phentermine and melatonin are a common combination, especially for patients struggling with insomnia. However, the experts still don’t know much about the specific drug interaction, and some doctors warn about the two substances’ opposing effects.

Check with your personal doctor and pharmacist before combining phentermine and melatonin (or any other medication or supplement) to make sure it’s safe in your particular case.

Click here to read more about supplements to take with phentermine.

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