In previous clinical studies, up to 12 percent of people taking Emsam experienced insomnia. There are some things you can do if you are having trouble sleeping with Emsam, such as avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine in the four to six hours before bedtime and keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle. If these suggestions do not help your insomnia, your healthcare provider may recommend adjusting your Emsam dose or switching your medication altogether.
Trouble sleeping (insomnia) is a common side effect of Emsam® (selegiline transdermal patch). In previous clinical studies, up to 12 percent of people taking Emsam experienced insomnia, compared to just 7 percent of people not taking Emsam.
What Is Insomnia?
People with insomnia have one or more of the following insomnia symptoms:
Difficulty falling asleep
Waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
Waking up too early in the morning
Having unrefreshing sleep.
Suggestions for Trouble Sleeping With Emsam
Some people taking Emsam find that improving their sleep habits can be an effective insomnia cure. Some tips for better sleep include:
Keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same times every day.
Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine in the four to six hours before bedtime.
Avoiding 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.
Napping no 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. Return to bed when you are sleepy.
Winding down in the 30 minutes before bedtime with a relaxing pre-sleep ritual, such as a warm bath, soft music, or reading.