What is Zaleplon: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 31, 2020

Zaleplon overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Sonata

Generic Names:

  • Zaleplon

Uses:

  • Treats insomnia.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Nonbarbiturate Hypnotic

Forms:

  • Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Zaleplon come in

  • Capsule

What are common Zaleplon doses?

  • Capsule 5MG

  • Capsule 10MG

Common Zaleplon prescriptions

  • Zaleplon
    10mg capsule

  • Zaleplon
    5mg capsule

How to take Zaleplon

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Take this medicine just before going to bed or when you have trouble falling asleep. Do not take this medicine if you are not able to get a full night's sleep or rest (about 7 to 8 hours) before you need to be active again.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. Do not take this medicine with food or right after a meal because it may not work as well.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Use this medicine only when you cannot sleep. You do not need to take it on a schedule.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. Do not take this medicine with food or right after a meal because it may not work as well.

  • Use this medicine only when you cannot sleep. You do not need to take it on a schedule.

  • Take this medicine just before going to bed or when you have trouble falling asleep. Do not take this medicine if you are not able to get a full night's sleep or rest (about 7 to 8 hours) before you need to be active again.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

What to do if you miss a dose of Zaleplon

  • If you do not remember until the next morning that you missed a dose of zaleplon the night before, skip the missed dose. Wait until that night to use your medicine.

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Zaleplon contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to zaleplon.

Zaleplon warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease (including asthma, COPD), breathing problems (including sleep apnea), or a history of depression, mental health problems, or alcohol or drug abuse. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to tartrazine or sensitive to aspirin.

  • This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness, especially first thing the next morning. It may also cause decreased alertness, trouble with thinking, or trouble with controlling body movements, This can lead to falls, fractures, or other injuries. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine may cause unusual moods and behaviors. You may also do things while you are still asleep that you may not remember the next morning, including driving, eating, having sex, sleepwalking, or making phone calls. Tell your doctor right away if you have learned that this has happened.

  • This medicine may also cause respiratory depression, a serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Call your doctor if you still have trouble sleeping after you take this medicine for 7 to 10 days.

Zaleplon interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how zaleplon works. Tell your doctor if you are using carbamazepine, cimetidine, diphenhydramine, erythromycin, imipramine, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, phenytoin, promethazine, rifampin, or thioridazine.

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. This medicine may also cause sleep-related behaviors such as driving a car (sleep-driving), walking (sleep-walking), having sex, making phone calls, or preparing and eating food while asleep or not fully awake. If these reactions occur, tell your doctor right away.

  • Sometimes these effects may last through the next day. Make sure you know how the medicine will affect you before you do any tasks that require you to be alert.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Zaleplon side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Anxiety, agitation, depression, nervousness, unusual moods or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself

  • Memory loss

  • Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

  • Trouble breathing, blue lips, fingernails, or skin

  • Trouble breathing.

  • Trouble with coordination or muscle stiffness.

  • Severe confusion, drowsiness, muscle weakness

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Loss of appetite.

  • Stomach pain or nausea.

  • Headache, daytime drowsiness, dizziness

  • Trouble with coordination or muscle stiffness.

  • Loss of memory for the first few hours after using the medicine.

  • Nausea, stomach pain

  • Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, or lightheadedness.

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.