Zaleplon

Generic name: Zaleplon
Brand names: Sonata
Dosage form: oral capsule (10 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class: Miscellaneous anxiolytics , Antineoplastic Agents

Usage of Zaleplon

Zaleplon is a sedative that is used to treat insomnia. zaleplon causes relaxation to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Zaleplon may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Zaleplon side effects

Zaleplon may cause a severe allergic Reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; nausea and vomiting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity while not fully awake and later HAD no memory of it. This may include walking, driving, or making phone calls. If this happens to you, stop taking zaleplon and call your doctor right away.

Serious injury or death could occur if you walk or drive while you are not fully awake.

Zaleplon may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

anxiety, depression, aggression, agitation;

memory problems, unusual thoughts or behavior;

thoughts of hurting yourself; or

confusion, hallucinations (hearing or seeing things).

Common side effects of zaleplon may include:

day-time drowsiness, dizziness, "hangover" feeling;

feeling light-headed;

problems with coordination; or

numbness, tingling, or prickly feeling on your skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Zaleplon

You should not use zaleplon if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever taken sleep medicine and engaged in activity you later don't remember.

Zaleplon is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver or kidney disease;

a breathing disorder;

depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; or

drug or alcohol addiction.

You should not take zaleplon if you are pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using zaleplon.

The sedative effects of zaleplon may be stronger in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take sedatives. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking zaleplon.

Relate drugs

How to use Zaleplon

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:

10 mg orally once a day, immediately before bedtime OR after the patient has gone to bed and is having trouble falling asleep-Maximum dose: 20 mg/dayComments:-Doses should be individualized.-Efficacy was established in trials ranging from a single night to 5 weeks.Use: Short-term treatment of insomnia

Usual Geriatric Dose for Insomnia:

5 mg orally once a day, immediately before bedtime OR after the patient has gone to bed and is having trouble falling asleep-Maximum dose: 10 mg/dayComments:-Doses should be individualized.-Efficacy was established in trials ranging from a single night to 5 weeks.Use: Short-term treatment of insomnia

Warnings

Some people using zaleplon have engaged in activity while not fully awake and later had no memory of it. If this happens to you, stop taking zaleplon and call your doctor right away.

Serious injury or death could occur if you walk or drive while you are not fully awake.

What other drugs will affect Zaleplon

Using zaleplon with other drugs that make you drowsy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, other sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect zaleplon, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.