Generic Name: zaleplon (ZAH leh plon)
Typical Brand Names: Sonata
What Is It Used For?
Sonata is used to reduce sleep latency (the time it takes you
to fall asleep). People taking Sonata have been shown to fall
asleep generally within 30 minutes after taking the drug.
How Is It Used?
Take Sonata before you go to bed or after you have gone to bed
and tried to fall asleep on your own, as long as you can sleep
4 or more hours. The onset time of Sonata is about 30 minutes
but it may increase if you take the medication after a high-fat/heavy
meal. Do not take sonata without consulting your doctor and take
it according to your doctor's guidelines. Do not stop taking Sonata
abruptly if you have been taking it for several days. Doing this
may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
The use of Sonata Can cause serious side effect like difficulty
in breathing, closing of your throat, swelling of your lips, face,
or tongue. It may also cause hallucinations (hearing or seeing
things that are not real), abnormal behavior, or severe confusion.
or suicidal thoughts.
It may also lead to less serious adverse effects like day-time
drowsiness; dizziness or lightheadedness, unsteadiness and / or
falls; double vision or other vision problems; agitation; confusion;
headache; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain; depression;
muscle weakness; tremor; vivid or abnormal dreams; or memory difficulties
or amnesia. If you face any such problem consult your doctor immediately.
Is It Safe?
Sonata causes no objective evidence and minimal subjective evidence
of rebound insomnia. In controlled clinical trials, side effects
were comparable to placebo. Take Sonata at bedtime or after you
have tried to fall asleep on your own. It can help you fall asleep
quickly and, because it leaves your body quickly, you can take
it even if you do not have 7 or 8 hours to sleep-as long as you
can sleep for 4 or more hours.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
It is not recommended to take Sonata if you are taking any of
the following medications: rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); phenytoin
(Dilantin); carbamazepine (Tegretol); phenobarbital (Luminal,
Solfoton); or cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB). Consult your doctor
if you are taking any of these medications before going for Sonata.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you miss a dose of Sonata take the next recommended dose, avoid
taking two doses of Sonata at a time.
How Should It Be Stored?
Sonata can be stored at room temperature. Keep the medicine away
from moisture and heat.
Anything Else I Should Know?
The effect of Sonata can cause carryovers like drowsiness or dizziness
there fore it is advised to be caution when driving, operating
machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Sonata will
cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness
or dizziness, avoid these activities. Do not take Sonata unless
you are able to get 4 or more hours of sleep before you must be
active again. Avoid alcohol while taking Sonata.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
