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. It is most effective for people who have trouble falling asleep, rather than people who have trouble staying asleep.
It is manufactured by King Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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.
The medication 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 it. Similar results were seen in a study of Sonata in people with transient insomnia (insomnia that comes and goes). In these studies, it 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.
When and How Do I Take Sonata?
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- It comes in capsule form and is taken immediately before bedtime.
- It is recommended that you take your 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 it. Do not take it before driving or performing any tasks that require concentration.
- For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage 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 dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects. 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:
(Click Sonata Side Effects to learn more about the specific side effects of the drug, 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.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Prior to taking this medication, 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.
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, seek medical attention immediately.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
The medication 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 should be stored at room temperature and away from moisture or heat. The capsules should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Sonata and all medications out of the reach of children.
The capsules are available in the following strengths:
- Sonata 5 mg capsules
- Sonata 10 mg capsules.
Currently, Sonata capsules are available in generic form.
