Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Sonata

Generic Name: zaleplon (Pronunciation: ZAH le plon)

• What is zaleplon (Sonata)?
• What are the possible side effects of zaleplon (Sonata)?
• What is the most important information I should know about zaleplon (Sonata)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zaleplon (Sonata)?
• How should I take zaleplon (Sonata)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Sonata)?
• What happens if I overdose (Sonata)?
• What should I avoid while taking zaleplon (Sonata)?
• What other drugs will affect zaleplon (Sonata)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is zaleplon (Sonata)?

Zaleplon is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems (insomnia).

Zaleplon is used to treat insomnia. This medication causes relaxation to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Zaleplon may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Sonata 10 mg

green/light green, imprinted with SONATA, 10 mg

Sonata 5 mg

green/white, imprinted with 5 mg, SONATA

Zaleplon 10 mg-TEV

green/light green, imprinted with 93 5269

Zaleplon 5 mg-TEV

green/white, imprinted with 93 5268

What are the possible side effects of zaleplon (Sonata)?

Zaleplon may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking zaleplon and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using zaleplon and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• aggression, agitation, changes in behavior;
• thoughts of hurting yourself; or
• hallucinations (hearing or seeing things).

Less serious side effects may include:

• day-time drowsiness, dizziness, "hangover" feeling;
• problems with memory or concentration;
• numbness or tingling;
• anxiety, depression, nervous feeling;
• problems with vision;
• headache;
• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation;
• dry mouth;
• increased menstrual pain (cramps);
• back pain, joint or muscle pain; or
• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about zaleplon (Sonata)?

Zaleplon may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking zaleplon and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Zaleplon will make you fall asleep. Never take this medication during your normal waking hours, unless you have at least 4 hours to dedicate to sleeping.

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking zaleplon and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

Zaleplon can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Until you know how this medication will affect you during waking hours, be careful if you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking zaleplon. It can increase some of the side effects of zaleplon, including drowsiness.

Zaleplon may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Zaleplon should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking zaleplon after taking it over several days in a row. Do not stop taking zaleplon suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.