Information on Sonata

Pronounced: Sah-NAH-ta
Generic name: Zaleplon

Why is Sonata prescribed?

Sonata is prescribed for people who have trouble falling asleep at bedtime. Because it has a short duration of action, it doesn't help those who suffer from frequent awakenings during the night or those who wake too early in the morning. It is intended only for short-term use (7 to 10 days).

Most important fact about Sonata

Problems with sleep are usually temporary and require only short-term treatment with medication. Call your doctor immediately if it seems the medication is making the problem worse, or if you notice any unusual changes in your thinking or behavior, such as hallucinations, amnesia, agitation, or a lack of inhibition. The emergence of new symptoms could be a sign of an undiagnosed medical or psychiatric condition.

How should you take Sonata?

Sonata is very fast-acting and should be taken only at bedtime.

--If you miss a dose...

Take Sonata only when you're ready to sleep. Never double your dose.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a light-resistant container.

What side effects may occur with Sonata?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Sonata.

The most common Sonata side effect is:

• Headache

Other common Sonata side effects may include:

• abdominal pain
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• eye pain
• memory loss
• menstrual pain
• nausea
• tingling
• weakness

Less common Sonata side effects may include:

• anxiety
• arthritis
• back pain
• bronchitis
• chest pain
• colitis
• confusion
• constipation
• depression
• decreased sensation
• difficulty concentrating
• disturbances in sense of smell
• dry mouth
• ear pain
• eye inflammation
• feeling of unreality
• fever
• generally ill feeling
• hallucinations
• indigestion
• itching
• joint pain
• loss of appetite
• migraine
• muscle pain
• nervousness
• nosebleeds
• rash
• sensitivity to light
• sensitivity to noise
• swelling of the hands or feet
• taste changes
• tense muscles
• tremor
• vertigo
• visual disturbances

A variety of other symptoms have been reported on very rare occasions. If you suspect that Sonata is causing any sort of problem, it would be wise to check with your doctor.

Why should Sonata not be prescribed?

Sonata is not recommended for people with severe liver disease and is best avoided during pregnancy. Do not take it if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. It contains the coloring agent FD&C Yellow No. 5, which causes a reaction in some individuals.

Special warnings about Sonata

Do not take Sonata unless you plan to be in bed for at least four hours after taking it. If you need to be alert and active in less than four hours, your performance could be impaired. Never attempt to drive a car or operate other dangerous machinery right after taking Sonata.

Use Sonata only for temporary relief of insomnia; sleep medicines tend to lose their effect when taken for more than a few weeks. Remember, too, that taking sleeping pills for extended periods or in high doses can lead to physical dependence and the danger of a withdrawal reaction when the drug is abruptly stopped. Be especially wary if you've ever had addiction problems with alcohol or other drugs.

If you are allergic to FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), you'll probably want to avoid Sonata, which contains this substance. The safety and effectiveness of Sonata have not been established in children.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Sonata

Avoid alcoholic beverages when taking Sonata; the drug increases alcohol's effect. Also forgo high-fat meals immediately before taking Sonata; they tend to slow or reduce the drug's effect.

If Sonata is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Sonata with the following:

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Imipramine (Tofranil)
• Phenobarbital
• Rifampin (Rifadin)
• Thioridazine (Mellaril)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Sonata can affect a developing baby, especially during the last weeks before delivery, and is therefore not recommended for use during pregnancy. This drug also appears in breast milk and should not be used if you are nursing your baby.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS
The usual dose is 10 milligrams taken once daily at bedtime. Your doctor may adjust the dose to your individual need, especially if you are in a weakened condition or have a low body weight. A dose of 5 milligrams is recommended if you have liver disease or use the drug cimetidine.

OLDER ADULTS
The usual dose for older adults is 5 milligrams, as they may be more sensitive to the effects of Sonata.

Overdosage

An overdose of drugs such as Sonata can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of Sonata overdose may include:

• drowsiness
• mental confusion
• grogginess
• lack of coordination
• flaccid muscles
• labored breathing
• coma