Pentasa and Insomnia

Several side effects may occur with Pentasa, and insomnia is a rare side effect, occuring in less than 1 percent of people taking it. If you experience insomnia during treatment, try to improve your sleep habits by keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle and avoiding large meals within two hours of bedtime. If you continue to experience insomnia with Pentasa, your healthcare provider may recommend a different medication.

Pentasa and Insomnia: An Introduction

Insomnia is a rare side effect of Pentasa® (mesalamine). In studies, less than 1 percent of people reported insomnia as one of the Pentasa side effects.
 

What Is Insomnia?

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

Pentasa and Insomnia: Suggestions

For some people who are experiencing insomnia with Pentasa, the cure can be improving sleep habits. Tips for better sleep include the following:
 
  • Keep a regular sleep-wake cycle. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
     
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine in the four to six hours before bedtime.
     
  • Don't exercise within two hours of bedtime. Exercising five or six hours before bedtime, however, may help you sleep more soundly.
     
  • Don't eat large meals within two hours of bedtime.
     
  • Don't nap later than 3 p.m.
     
  • Sleep in a dark, quiet room with a comfortable temperature.
     
  • If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, do a quiet activity somewhere else and return to bed when you're sleepy.
     
  • Wind 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.)
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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