Sonata

Sonata is a prescription medication that is used for the treatment of short-term insomnia in people who have difficulty falling asleep. Clinical studies show that people who took Sonata fell asleep faster but did not necessarily stay asleep longer. The sleep medicine comes in the form of a capsule that should be taken immediately before bedtime. Keep in mind that Sonata is a controlled substance and may be abused. Potential side effects of Sonata may include nausea, headache, and drowsiness.

 

What Is Sonata?

Sonata® (zaleplon) is a prescription sleep medication used for short-term insomnia treatment. It is part of a class of medications called sedatives or hypnotics. Sonata is most effective for people who have trouble falling asleep, rather than people who have trouble staying asleep.
 
(Click Sonata Uses for more information on what Sonata is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Sonata?

Sonata is manufactured by King Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
 

How Does Sonata Work?

Sonata is part of a class of medications called sedative/hypnotics, which are known more commonly as sleep medicines. Like many other sleep medications, it is a controlled substance and may be abused.
 

Sonata Effects

Sonata has been evaluated in several clinical studies for insomnia. In studies of Sonata for chronic insomnia, people who took the medicine fell asleep faster than people who did not take Sonata. Similar results were seen in a study of Sonata in people with transient insomnia (insomnia that comes and goes). In these studies, Sonata did not help people to stay asleep longer or to wake up less frequently during the night.
 
Also, studies have shown that Sonata can cause mild rebound insomnia (worsening of insomnia after stopping a medication). Rebound insomnia symptoms usually occurred for only one night after Sonata was stopped, after which people returned to their normal sleeping patterns.
 

Sonata: When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take Sonata include:
 
  • Sonata comes in capsule form and is taken immediately before bedtime.
     
  • It is recommended that you take your Sonata dose with a glass of water, not right after a meal and not with food. Taking Sonata with food may make it less effective.
     
  • Sonata works very quickly; make sure that you are ready for sleep before taking Sonata. Do not take Sonata before driving or performing any tasks that require concentration.
     
  • For Sonata to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Sonata will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Sonata Dosing

The dose of Sonata that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your Sonata dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Sonata Dosing for more information about dosing for Sonata.)
 

Side Effects of Sonata

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Sonata. However, not everyone who takes Sonata will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medicine well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
The most common side effects with Sonata include:
 
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Drowsiness.
     
(Click Sonata Side Effects to learn more about the specific side effects of Sonata, including serious side effects to look out for.)
 
You can also read about other possible side effects by clicking on the following eMedTV links:
 

Drug Interactions With Sonata

Sonata can potentially interact with a number of medications.
 
(Click Sonata Drug Interactions for more information about Sonata and other medicines.)
 

Sonata: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Prior to taking Sonata, you should notify your healthcare provider if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may also be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Sonata Warnings and Precautions for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Sonata.)
 

Sonata Overdose

People who take too much Sonata may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Passing out
  • Trouble breathing
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to overdose on Sonata, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Zaleplon Overdose for more information.)
 

Sonata: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

Sonata is meant to be taken only before bedtime. Do not make up for any missed doses of Sonata, and do not take Sonata during the day or in the middle of the night.
 

Sonata Storage Methods

Sonata should be stored at room temperature and away from moisture or heat. Sonata capsules should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep Sonata and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

Sonata: Strengths

Sonata capsules are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Sonata 5 mg capsules
  • Sonata 10 mg capsules.
     

Generic Sonata

There is currently no generic Sonata available for sale.
 
(Click Generic Sonata for more information.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;