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Wellbutrin and Insomnia

Side effects may occur during treatment with Wellbutrin, and insomnia is one that occurs commonly. For some people who experience insomnia during treatment with Wellbutrin, improving sleep habits can be an effective cure for insomnia. Among the things that can help improve sleep habits are keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle and avoiding caffeine four to six hours before bedtime. You should also talk with your healthcare provider if you're taking Wellbutrin and insomnia becomes bothersome.

 

Wellbutrin and Insomnia: An Introduction

Insomnia is one of the more common side effects of Wellbutrin® (bupropion hydrochloride). In previous studies, up to 18.6 percent of people reported insomnia as a side effect of Wellbutrin. However, it is important to understand that almost as many people who were not taking Wellbutrin in the studies also experienced insomnia (up to 15.7 percent of people).
 

What Is Insomnia?

People with insomnia have one or more of the following symptoms of insomnia:
 
  • 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.
     

Wellbutrin and Insomnia: Suggestions

Some people who take Wellbutrin find that improving their sleep habits can be an effective cure for insomnia.
 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.
     
  • Refraining from exercise within two hours of bedtime. Exercising five or six hours before bedtime may help you sleep more soundly.
     
  • Refraining from eating 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 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.)
 
(Wellbutrin 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;