I've read that a multi-vitamin is recommended and should be taken at bedtime. I am currently suffering from insomnia and don't want to take a vitamin at bedtime because vitamins tend to rev me up a bit and I can't lose more sleep than I already am.

Any suggestions as to alternatives that I could take during the day that could be absorbed properly?

Thanks.

I looked up Xenical (orlistat as a prescription drug) in the Drug Reference Guide (I am an RN, so I have one around the house) and it stated that the multivitamin should be taken two hours before or two hours after the taking of the Xenical.  I assume it is the same for the Alli pills as well.

I am currently experiencing the insomnia and the only changes I have made recently is taking Alli and changing the time I take my vitamins (which I used to take every morning).  I have only been on Alli for 4 days and changed the time of the vitamins for those 4 days.  I am going to try taking the vitamins 2 hours after my lunchtime dose and before the dinner dose to see if that makes a difference. 

Good to know. I'd be interested in hearing how that works for you. Thanks!

Two days ago I purchased One-A-Day Weight Smart multi-vitamins and took one pill each evening.  Each night I laid awake for hours -- very unusual for me.  I blamed it on the ingredients in the vitamin (caffeine perhaps?) that would stimulate metabolism hence their claim that the vitamins help with weight loss.  I think I'll change back to taking these vitamins in the morning since breakfast is usually so lowfat I don't take an Alli pill anyway.

alli may block some of the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A,D,E, and K because they rely on fat absorption for their absorption. It is suggested to take the multivitamin at bedtime to minimize the interaction and maximize the absorption of these vitamins. The multivitamin is best taken as far away from the alli as possible. This is why it is suggested to be taken at bedtime. While multivitamins should not cause insomnia, you should try to separate the alli from the vitamin as far as possible.

Hope this helps.....Maria Marzella Sulli, Pharm.D.

 I only tried switching to after lunch and before dinner once now and I slept well last night (the 7th).  I took my vitamins again after lunch and before dinner, so we will see how it works tonight.