zaleplon
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.
What is Zaleplon?
What is Zaleplon used for?
Insomnia (trouble falling asleep)
How Zaleplon works
Zaleplon belongs to the drug class called non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics. People call it a "z-drug" for short.
Zaleplon turns on proteins in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptors. This helps calm the brain and make it easier to fall asleep.
Drug Facts
More on Zaleplon essentials
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What are the risks and warnings for Zaleplon?
Zaleplon can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Doing things while not fully awake
Zaleplon raises the risk that you might do things while asleep or not fully awake. This can be dangerous and might happen any time you take the medication. These things can include sleepwalking, cooking, eating, talking on the phone, having sex, or even driving. People don't actually remember doing these things after waking up. If a loved one tells you that you did something in your sleep, talk to your prescriber. You might need to stop taking zaleplon.
Sleepiness and trouble focusing the next day
Risk factors: Not getting at least 7 hours of sleep after taking zaleplon | Taking too much zaleplon | Older age | Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that make you sleepy or less alert
Zaleplon can make you sleepy. This can raise the risk of falling, especially for older adults. Zaleplon can also make it harder to focus, think, and react. These effects can last until the morning after you take the medication.
These side effects are more likely if you don't get at least 7 hours of sleep after taking zaleplon. The risk is also higher if you drink alcohol or take other medications that make you sleepy, like benzodiazepines or other sleep medications. Tell your care team about all the medications you take so they can help keep you safe.
Only take zaleplon if you can get at least 7 hours of sleep. Take it right before sleeping or when you're already in bed and can't fall asleep. Don't drive or do anything that needs your full attention until you know how this medication affects you (during the night and on the next day). Wait until you feel fully awake and can think clearly.
Dependence and withdrawal
Zaleplon has a risk of physical dependence. This means that your body might get used to the medication and need it to feel normal. If you stop taking the medication or lower your dose too fast, you might have withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms can include trouble sleeping, stomach upset, muscle cramps, sweating, and shakiness.
Take zaleplon exactly as directed. Never change your dose or stop taking zaleplon without talking to your prescriber first. Talk to your prescriber if you want to lower your dose or stop the medication. They'll give you specific instructions on how to do this in a safe way.
Abnormal thoughts and unusual behavior
Some people who take medications like zaleplon can have abnormal thoughts and behavior. This can include acting strangely, being more aggressive, feeling agitated, or having memory problems. Some people also had hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there). Talk to your prescriber if you have any unusual thoughts or behavior while taking zaleplon.
Severe allergic reaction
Risk factors: Sensitive to FD&C yellow #5 (tartrazine) food dye
Although it's rare, some people can have a severe allergic reaction to zaleplon. This can happen any time you take the medication. Allergic reactions can include swelling of the face, tongue, neck, or throat. Other symptoms are trouble breathing, closing of the throat, nausea, or vomiting. Call 911 right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction after taking zaleplon.
Caution use in people with breathing problems or depression
If you have breathing problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or sleep apnea, talk to your prescriber before starting zaleplon. This medication might affect your breathing. Your prescriber can weigh the risks and benefits for you to take zaleplon.
Also let your prescribe know if you have depression. Medications like zaleplon might make depression worse. Watch for signs of depression and tell your care team if it gets worse. Call 911 right away if you think about hurting yourself.
What are the side effects of Zaleplon?
Common Side Effects
- 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%)
Other Side Effects
- Vision changes
- Confusion
- Numbness or tingling
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Trouble with coordination
- Memory problems
- Low appetite
Serious Side Effects
- Doing things while not fully awake (e.g., sleepwalking, cooking, eating, talking on the phone, having sex, driving)
- Abnormal thoughts or behavior: being aggressive or irritated, acting strangely, hallucinations
- Serious allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, neck, or throat; tightness in the throat; closing of the throat; trouble breathing; nausea; vomiting
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
blurred or double vision
confusion about identity, place, and time
discouragement
false or unusual sense of well-being
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
feeling sad or empty
general feeling of discomfort or illness
hives, skin rash
irritability
lack of appetite
lightheadedness
loss of interest or pleasure
not feeling like oneself
shakiness and unsteady walk
tightness in the chest
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
troubled breathing
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
unusual weakness or tiredness
Rare
attack, assault, or force
black, tarry stools
bladder pain
bloody or cloudy urine
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
change in walking and balance
chills
cold sweats
crying
decreased awareness or responsiveness
deep or fast breathing with dizziness
delusions of persecution, mistrust, suspiciousness, or combativeness
difficult, burning, or painful urination
difficulty swallowing
dizziness
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from lying or sitting position
fainting
false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts
feeling of unreality
frequent urge to urinate
irregular heartbeat
irritability
itching skin
lack of feeling or emotion
light-colored stools
lower back or side pain
numbness of the feet, hands, and around the mouth
pale skin
poor insight and judgment
problems with memory or speech
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
quick to react or overreact emotionally
rapidly changing moods
restlessness
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
sense of detachment from self or body
severe sleepiness
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
stomach pain
swollen glands
thoughts of killing oneself or changes in behavior
tightness in the chest
trouble recognizing objects
trouble thinking and planning
trouble walking
troubled breathing with exertion
uncaring
unusual bleeding or bruising
vomiting
yellow eyes or skin
unease or dissatisfaction with life
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Confusion
clumsiness or unsteadiness, severe
dizziness or fainting
drowsiness, severe
weak muscle tone
troubled breathing
unusual dullness or feeling sluggish
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Back pain
being forgetful
belching
body aches or pain
congestion
difficulty having a bowel movement
difficulty with moving
double vision
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
hoarseness
indigestion
longer or heavier menstrual periods
loss of memory
muscle pain or stiffness
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
seeing double
sensation of spinning
stomach discomfort
tender, swollen glands in the neck
unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
voice changes
Rare
Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
blemishes on the skin
blindness
blurred vision
breast pain
change in near or distance vision
change in taste
changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
decreased interest in sexual intercourse
difficulty in focusing the eyes
feeling of warmth
frequent urge to defecate
inability to have or keep an erection
increased appetite
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
increased sweating
itching of the vagina or genital area
lack or loss of strength
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
pain during sexual intercourse
paleness of the skin
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
redness or other discoloration of the skin
severe sunburn
slurred speech
stomach upset
straining while passing stool
tearing
thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Zaleplon
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
Pharmacist tips for Zaleplon
Take zaleplon with or without food. If it's hurting your stomach, you can try taking it with a small amount of food or a snack. Keep in mind that taking the medication too close to a heavy, high-fat meal can make it take longer to work.
Take zaleplon only when you have trouble sleeping. Take it right before bed or when you're already in bed but then can't fall asleep. If you take it while you're still up, you might feel dizzy or lightheaded. You could also have trouble remembering things or moving around safely.
Take zaleplon only if you can get at least 7 hours of sleep. Otherwise, you might feel extra sleepy or dizzy the next day. You also might have trouble seeing clearly and reacting fast. This can make it hard to focus or do things safely. Don't drive until you're fully awake and alert.
Some people who take zaleplon might do things while asleep. This can include sleepwalking, driving, cooking, and eating. Sometimes, it can be dangerous. Tell your prescriber if someone's told you that you did something while asleep after taking this medication.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking zaleplon. Alcohol can raise your risk of serious side effects, like feeling too sleepy and breathing too slowly.
Tell your healthcare team about all the medications you take so they can make sure it's safe for you. This is very important if you take opioids or other medications that make you sleepy. Don't take other sleep aids at the same time as zaleplon. These medications can make side effects worse. Taking it with opioids can also make your breathing dangerously slow.
Don't lower your dose or stop taking zaleplon without talking to your prescriber first. Lowering the dose or stopping too fast can cause withdrawal symptoms. This can include stomach pain, muscle cramps, shaking, and trouble sleeping. Follow your prescriber's instructions to slowly lower the dose to stop the medication safely.
If your sleep doesn't get any better after 7 to 10 days of taking zaleplon, talk to your prescriber. They can check if something else is making you have trouble sleeping.
It's a good idea to add in lifestyle changes and strategies to help you sleep better. Talk to your prescriber about how to practice good sleep hygiene.
Frequently asked questions about Zaleplon
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Zaleplon dosage forms
Typical dosing for Zaleplon
The typical dose is 10 mg by mouth once as needed for sleep. Take zaleplon right before bed. Or, your prescriber might recommend that you take it when you're in bed already but then can't fall asleep.
Some people might need a lower dose (5 mg once as needed for sleep). This includes older adults, people who are very weak, people with low body weight, and people with liver problems.
The maximum dose is 20 mg once as needed for sleep.
More on Zaleplon dosage forms
Interactions between Zaleplon and other drugs
More on Zaleplon interactions
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Calcium Oxybate
- Magnesium Oxybate
- Potassium Oxybate
- Sodium Oxybate
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abametapir
- Alfentanil
- Alprazolam
- Benzhydrocodone
- Bromazepam
- Bromopride
- Buprenorphine
- Butorphanol
- Cannabidiol
- Carbinoxamine
- Ceritinib
- Cetirizine
- Clarithromycin
- Clobazam
- Codeine
- Conivaptan
- Dihydrocodeine
- Doxylamine
- Esketamine
- Fentanyl
- Flibanserin
- Flumazenil
- Fosnetupitant
- Fospropofol
- Gabapentin
- Gabapentin Enacarbil
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Ketamine
- Ketoconazole
- Lemborexant
- Levocetirizine
- Levorphanol
- Lofexidine
- Loxapine
- Meclizine
- Meperidine
- Methadone
- Metoclopramide
- Midazolam
- Morphine
- Morphine Sulfate Liposome
- Nalbuphine
- Netupitant
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Pentazocine
- Periciazine
- Pregabalin
- Propofol
- Remifentanil
- Remimazolam
- Scopolamine
- Sufentanil
- Tapentadol
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- Zolpidem
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
How much does Zaleplon cost?
Zaleplon contraindications
Have had a complex sleep behavior after taking zaleplon. Examples include sleepwalking, sleep-driving, or doing other things while not fully awake
What are alternatives to Zaleplon?
Allergies
Common cold symptoms
Trouble sleeping for people 12 years and older
Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep)
What is the latest news about Zaleplon?
Zaleplon images
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