Sonata vs. Butisol for Insomnia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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

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Butisol

(butabarbital)

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Summary for Sonata

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.

Indications for Sonata

Insomnia (trouble falling asleep)

Pros and Cons for Sonata

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

Common Side Effects for Sonata

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%)

Warnings for Sonata

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

Summary for Butisol

Discontinued

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.