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Compare Sonata vs. Dalmane

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

Key takeaways

Zaleplon (Sonata) and flurazepam (formerly branded as Dalmane) are both medications used to treat insomnia, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct characteristics. Zaleplon is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic that helps you fall asleep quickly but doesn't help you stay asleep. In contrast, flurazepam is a benzodiazepine that helps you both fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Zaleplon is typically used for short-term treatment (up to 30 days) and is available as a lower-cost generic, while flurazepam can be used for up to 28 days and is also available in generic form. Both medications can be habit-forming and may cause dependence, but flurazepam has a higher risk of side effects, especially for females and older adults. Additionally, both medications can cause unusual behaviors like sleepwalking and sleep-driving, but flurazepam has a broader range of common side effects, including headache and upset stomach.

  • Zaleplon
    Flurazepam
  • Zaleplon
    Flurazepam

  • Summary of Sonata vs. Dalmane

    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 Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Flurazepam is used to treat sleeping problems (insomnia). It's a controlled substance because it has a risk for becoming habit-forming. The brand name Dalmane has been discontinued, but it's still available as generic versions. Side effects of the medication include headache and upset stomach.

  • Indications of Sonata vs. Dalmane

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble falling asleep)
    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble sleeping)

  • Pros and Cons of Sonata vs. Dalmane

    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 Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Helps you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available in two strengths
    Cons
    •Higher risk of side effects for females and older adults
    •Can be habit-forming
    •Can cause sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and other activities while sleeping

  • Common Side Effects of Sonata vs. Dalmane

    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
    •Headache
    •Heartburn
    •Upset stomach
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Constipation
    •Stomach pain
    •Nervousness
    •Talkativeness
    •Irritability
    •Weakness
    •Body aches, joint pain

  • Warnings of Sonata vs. Dalmane

    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
    •Extreme sleepiness, slowed breathing, coma, and death
    •Potential for addiction, misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Less mental alertness and hangover effect
    •Allergic reaction
    •Behavior changes

  • Prices with our coupons for Sonata vs. Dalmane

    Learn more about Zaleplon
    Learn more about Flurazepam

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