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.
