Uses
What is zaleplon used for?
Zaleplon is commonly used short-term to help treat insomnia. It can be used to help people who have trouble falling asleep.
Zaleplon may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does zaleplon work (mechanism of action)?
Zaleplon works by increasing the activity of a natural chemical in your brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which helps you relax and may make it easier to fall asleep.
How is zaleplon supplied (dosage forms)?
Zaleplon is available as Sonata and generic zaleplon in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 5 mg oral capsules
- 10 mg oral capsules
How should I store zaleplon?
Zaleplon should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of zaleplon?
The most common side effects of zaleplon are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- A feeling of “pins and needles” on your skin
- Problems with coordination
There may be other side effects of zaleplon that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of zaleplon?
While less common, the most serious side effects of zaleplon are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Zaleplon may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking zaleplon and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Abnormal Thoughts or Behaviors. A variety of abnormal thoughts and behaviors have been reported during treatment with zaleplon and other sedative-hypnotics. Talk with your healthcare provided if you experience any of the following symptoms.
- Acting more outgoing or aggressive than usual
- Agitation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression that worsens
- Seeing or hearing things that are not real
Next-day drowsiness. The morning after you take zaleplon you may feel drowsy or dizzy. You are more likely to experience drowsiness the next day if you take zaleplon with less than a full night of sleep (7 to 8 hours) before you have to get up. Other factors that may increase your risk of next-day drowsiness include taking a higher dose than recommended, drinking alcohol, or taking other medicines that can make you drowsy. Do not drive or do other dangerous activities until you know how zaleplon affects you.
Activities While Not Fully Awake. Zaleplon may cause you to do an activity that you do not know you are doing. The next morning, you may not remember doing anything. Stop taking zaleplon, and call your healthcare provider right away if you do any of the following activities while not fully awake
- Sleep-walking
- Talking on the phone
- Driving a car, also called “sleep driving”
- Making and eating food
- Having sex
Memory Loss. Zaleplon may cause short-term memory loss. This typically occurs within the first 2 hours after taking it, but some people have reported memory less the next day. Taking a higher dose increases the risk of this side effect. Talk with your healthcare provider if you experience any loss of memory.
Worsening of Depression and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Zaleplon may worsen depression and cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use zaleplon?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take zaleplon.
- Sonata
- Zaleplon
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific zaleplon products they stock.
History of Activities While Not Fully Awake. If you have experienced doing activities while you are not fully awake, such as sleep-walking, sleep-driving, or making phone calls, after taking zaleplon, your healthcare provider may recommend a different medicine for you.
Liver Problems. Zaleplon should not be used if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.
What should I know about zaleplon before using it?
Do not take zaleplon unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share zaleplon with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep zaleplon out of the reach of children. Zaleplon is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store zaleplon in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.
Take zaleplon right before getting into bed, or once you are in bed but having a hard time falling asleep. Do not take zaleplon if you are not able to get a full night of sleep (7 to 8 hours).
Zaleplon should not be taken with food or right after a meal. It may take longer for zaleplon to work if you take it with food.
Do not take zaleplon if you drink alcohol in the evening or before bed. This may increase your risk of feeling drowsy or dizzy the next day.
Zaleplon is only meant for short-term use. If zaleplon is not working or your sleep problems are getting worse after 7 to 10 days, talk with your healthcare provider.
Zaleplon can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities the next day that require alertness or coordination until you feel fully awake.
People who are 65 years and older may be more sensitive to side effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness, which can increase the risk of falls while taking zaleplon. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
Zaleplon can cause rebound insomnia the first day or two after you stop taking it. You may feel anxious or have trouble falling asleep. Talk with your healthcare provider if this lasts longer than a couple days.
Withdrawal symptoms are possible if you stop taking zaleplon suddenly. These symptoms may include sweating, shakiness, unpleasant feeling, or stomach and muscle cramps.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using zaleplon?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if zaleplon is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Substance Use Disorder. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of drug or alcohol use disorder. Zaleplon is a controlled substance and may be misused.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Liver or kidney problems
- History of mental health conditions, including depression or thoughts of suicide
- Sensitivity to aspirin, tartrazine, or FD & C Yellow #5
Other Medicines and Supplements. Zaleplon may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking zaleplon, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how zaleplon could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Do not take zaleplon while you are breastfeeding. Zaleplon can pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does zaleplon interact with foods or drinks?
Avoid taking zaleplon with or immediately after a meal.
The risk of drowsiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking zaleplon. Do not take zaleplon if you drink alcohol in the evening or before bed.
Does zaleplon interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking zaleplon.
- Promethazine, a medicine used to treat a variety of conditions, including allergies and motion sickness
- Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
- Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
- Phenobarbital, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
- Cimetidine (Tagamet HB), which is a medicine used for heartburn
- An antihistamine, such as chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which is a medicine commonly used to treat allergy symptoms
- A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline or imipramine, even if it is not used for depression
- Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of zaleplon. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with zaleplon. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much zaleplon?
If you or someone else has used too much zaleplon, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of zaleplon?
Zaleplon is only meant to be used as needed right before you go to bed. Do not take extra or double doses.
Are you currently using Zaleplon (Sonata)?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.