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.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;