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Compare Sonata vs. Valium

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

Key takeaways

Zaleplon (Sonata) and diazepam (Valium) are both prescription medications that can help with sleep, but they belong to different drug classes and have different uses. Zaleplon is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic, often called a "z-drug," and is specifically used for treating insomnia by helping you fall asleep. Diazepam, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine used for a variety of conditions, including anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, and as an add-on for seizures. Diazepam may sometimes be used off-label for insomnia. Zaleplon is taken by mouth right before bedtime and works quickly. The usual diazepam dosage depends on what it is being used for. Both are available in a lower-cost generic version. Common side effects of zaleplon include headache and dizziness, while diazepam can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and muscle weakness. Both medications carry a risk of misuse and dependence and are controlled substances.

  • Zaleplon
    Diazepam (Valium)
  • Zaleplon
    Diazepam (Valium)

  • Summary of Sonata vs. Valium

    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

    Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine. It's used to treat symptoms of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. It can also treat certain types of muscle spasms and seizures. Diazepam (Valium) comes as a tablet and liquid solution. It's taken by mouth, typically 2 to 4 times daily. Some common side effects of diazepam (Valium) include sleepiness, dizziness, and weakness. Additionally, this medication carries a risk for misuse and dependence, so it's classified as a controlled substance.

  • Indications of Sonata vs. Valium

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble falling asleep)
    Indications for
    •Anxiety disorders and short-term anxiety symptoms
    •Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
    •Muscle spasms or spasticity from certain conditions, such as cerebral palsy and stiff-person syndrome (SPS)
    •Add-on to other medications for seizures

  • Pros and Cons of Sonata vs. Valium

    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
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as tablets and liquid
    •Works within 30 minutes
    Cons
    •Might need to take multiple times a day
    •Short-term use only because risk for dependence
    •Generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Sonata vs. Valium

    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
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Muscle weakness
    •Problems with balance or coordination
    •Memory problems

  • Warnings of Sonata vs. Valium

    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 and difficulty breathing
    •Misuse and dependence
    •Withdrawal
    •Harm to babies during pregnancy and after delivery
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Use with caution in people with depression

  • Prices with our coupons for Sonata vs. Valium

    Learn more about Zaleplon
    Learn more about Diazepam

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