Allegra-D and Insomnia

Because insomnia occurs in approximately 12 percent of patients taking Allegra-D, many people have questions about Allegra-D and insomnia. Signs and symptoms that may indicate insomnia include difficulty falling asleep, waking up too early in the morning, or waking up often during the night and having trouble falling back asleep. Suggestions for improving sleep habits include avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine in the four to six hours before bedtime; not eating large meals within two hours of bedtime; and sleeping in a dark, quiet room with a comfortable temperature.

 

An Overview of Allegra-D and Insomnia

There are several side effects that can occur with Allegra-D® (fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine). One possible side effect with Allegra-D is insomnia. In clinical studies, insomnia was one of the most common side effects seen with Allegra-D, occurring in 12.6 percent of people.
 

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
  • Experiencing non-refreshing sleep.
     

Allegra-D and Insomnia: Suggestions

Some people taking Allegra-D 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 time every day.
     
  • Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine in the four to six hours before bedtime.
     
  • Not exercising within two hours of bedtime. Exercising five or six hours before bedtime may help you sleep more soundly.
     
  • Not eating large meals within two hours of bedtime.
     
  • Not taking naps any later than 3 p.m.
     
  • Sleeping in a dark, quiet room with a comfortable temperature.
     
  • If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, doing a quiet activity somewhere else 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.)
 
(Allegra-D 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;