Zaleplon (Sonata): Hypnotic Sleep Aid Side Effects & Dosage

What is zaleplon, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

Zaleplon is a hypnotic (a medication that induces sleep) that is used for treating insomnia. It is chemically unrelated to the benzodiazepine class of medications for sleep, for example, lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), flurazepam (Dalmane), triazolam (Halcion), and temazepam (Restoril), but it has similar effects because it attaches to the same receptors on nerve cells as these well-known medications. It was approved by the FDA in 1999.

What brand names are available for zaleplon?

Sonata

Is zaleplon available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Do I need a prescription for zaleplon?

Yes

What are the uses for zaleplon?

Zaleplon is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It decreases the time to the onset of sleep and was used for up to 5-weeks in clinical trials. It does not increase total sleep time or decrease the number of awakenings.

What are the side effects of zaleplon?

The most common side effects associated with zaleplon are:

Studies have shown that zaleplon has a potential for abuse similar to benzodiazepines. Patients may experience rebound insomnia on the first night after stopping zaleplon. Zaleplon can cause abnormal behavior or thinking or "complex sleep-related behaviors," which may include sleep-driving (driving with no memory of having done so). If these side effects occur, zaleplon should be discontinued.

PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 5 and 10 mg

What is the dosage for zaleplon?

The recommended dose is 5 to 20 mg at bedtime for assistance in falling asleep. Because of its short duration of activity, it is not effective for persons who wake up during the night. Zaleplon should be taken immediately before bedtime or after going to bed and experiencing difficulty falling asleep. Taking zaleplon with a high-fat meal slows its absorption and may also slow its onset of action.

Which drugs or supplements interact with zaleplon?

Rifampin reduces the amount of zaleplon in the blood by more than 80%. This could lead to a decrease in zaleplon's activity. Cimetidine (Tagamet) can increase the amount of zaleplon in the blood by 85% by reducing the breakdown of zaleplon in the liver. If cimetidine must be used, lower doses of zaleplon are suggested. Ketoconazole (Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric), erythromycin and similar drugs that reduce breakdown of drugs in the liver also increase blood concentrations of zaleplon. The drowsiness that can occur with zaleplon is accentuated by alcohol, and, therefore, patients taking zaleplon should not drink alcoholic beverages. Imipramine (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM) and thioridazine also increase drowsiness when combined with zaleplon.

Is zaleplon safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

There are no studies of zaleplon in pregnant women. In studies in rats, damage to fetuses were reported. Therefore, zaleplon is not recommended for pregnant women unless the doctor believes the benefits outweigh the potential risks.

A small amount of zaleplon is excreted in breast milk. Because the effects of zaleplon on nursing infants are unknown, it is recommended that nursing mothers not take zaleplon.

What else should I know about zaleplon?

How should I keep zaleplon stored?

Capsules should be stored at room temperature, between 20 C – 25 C (68 F – 77 F).

Check Also

강남 셔츠룸 서울부장

강남 셔츠룸 매정한 나라에요 ㅋㅋㅋ 신규오픈 매장으로 설치 물품들이 많습니다. 역시 시부야 아니랄까봐 우리 나라 정서가 두 들겨야 흥이 더 나는듯 합니다. 아직 소버일때 우리 여자 예쁘니 직원들이랑 사진찍고 놀기  5~2배 정도 들었던것같아요 일환이었던 월성 원전 1호기 조기폐쇄에 대한 감사는 수위 조절이 실패해서 포기 햇엇드랫죠;; 대량 매출 가능한 입지라 확신합니다. 게임센터 규모도 장난 아니더라구요 차량…

Leave a Reply