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What happens if I miss a dose (Sonata)?

Since zaleplon is usually taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Never take this medication if you do not have at least 4 hours to sleep before being active again. Do not take extra medicine to make up a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Sonata)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include sleepiness, confusion, shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking zaleplon (Sonata)?

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.

Avoid taking zaleplon during travel, such as to sleep on an airplane. You may be awakened before the effects of the medication have worn off. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is more common if you do not get at least 4 hours of sleep after taking zaleplon.

What other drugs will affect zaleplon (Sonata)?

Before taking zaleplon, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• cimetidine (Tagamet);
• thioridazine (Mellaril);
• promethazine (Phenergan, Promacot);
• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane);
• antibiotics such as azithromycin (Zithromax), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Nizoral);
• antidepressants such as imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), or sertraline (Zoloft); or
• narcotic pain medications, muscle relaxers, seizure medications, or anti-anxiety medications.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with zaleplon. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about zaleplon.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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