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Compare Sonata vs. Butisol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Zaleplon (Sonata) and butabarbital (formerly known as Butisol) are both medications used to help with sleep. However, they belong to different medication classes. Zaleplon is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic, often called a "z-drug," while butabarbital is a barbiturate. Zaleplon is still available as a prescription medication, but butabarbital has been discontinued in the U.S. Zaleplon is typically taken as a 10 mg dose right before bed to help you fall asleep, but it doesn't help you stay asleep. Butabarbital was known for its fast-acting properties but was not a first-choice treatment due to its potential for habit formation. Zaleplon can cause side effects like headache and dizziness, and it has a risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Butabarbital also had a risk of addiction, which contributed to its discontinuation. While zaleplon is a Schedule IV controlled substance, butabarbital was classified as Schedule III, indicating a higher potential for misuse.

  • Zaleplon
    Butisol (butabarbital)
  • Zaleplon
    Butisol (butabarbital)

  • Summary of Sonata vs. Butisol

    Summary for Sedative-hypnotic
    Prescription only

    Zaleplon, once sold under the brand name Sonata, is a prescription sleep medication for adults. It helps with insomnia (trouble falling asleep). It's a type of sedative-hypnotic called a non-benzodiazepine, or "z-drug." You take it by mouth right before bed or when you're already in bed and can't fall asleep. Zaleplon is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse and dependence. Side effects can include headache and dizziness.

    Summary for Barbiturate

    Butisol (butabarbital) is a fast-acting sleep medication. It's not a first choice treatment option and has been discontinued. Both brand and generic options are no longer available in the U.S.

  • Indications of Sonata vs. Butisol

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble falling asleep)
    Indications for

  • Pros and Cons of Sonata vs. Butisol

    Pros and Const for Sedative-hypnotic
    Pros
    •Works within 30 minutes or so to help you fall asleep
    •Low risk of causing daytime sleepiness since it doesn't stay very long in the body
    Cons
    •Not shown to help with staying asleep throughout the night
    •Not usually recommended to take for more than 30 days because it can be habit-forming
    Pros and Const for Barbiturate
    Pros
    Cons

  • Common Side Effects of Sonata vs. Butisol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 42%)
    •Dizziness (up to 9%)
    •Nausea (up to 8%)
    •Weakness (up to 7%)
    •Sleepiness the next day (6%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 6%)
    Common Side Effects for

  • Warnings of Sonata vs. Butisol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Doing things while not fully awake
    •Sleepiness and trouble focusing the next day
    •Dependence and withdrawal
    •Abnormal thoughts and unusual behavior
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Caution use in people with breathing problems or depression
    Common Side Effects for

  • Prices with our coupons for Sonata vs. Butisol

    Learn more about Zaleplon
    Learn more about Butisol

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