Sonata (zaleplon)

Sonata is used for short-term treatment of insomnia to help you fall asleep.

How should this medicine be used?
Sonata comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day at bedtime or after going to bed if you cannot fall asleep. This medication is usually taken for 7-10 days. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Sonata exactly as directed. Do not take Sonata unless you will be able to sleep for at least 4 hours after taking the dose.
Sonata can be habit-forming; do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer period than your doctor tells you to. Do not stop taking Sonata without talking to your doctor.
Sonata can lose its effectiveness if used for long periods of time. If you experience difficulty falling asleep, call your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Sonata,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Sonata, aspirin, tartarzine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially allergy medications; antihistamines; barbiturates; cimetidine (Tagamet); cold medicines; imipramine (Tofranil); medications for depression; medications for seizures such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Eptitol, Tegretol, others), and phenobarbital (Solfoton); pain relievers; rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); thioridazine (Mellaril); tranquilizers; and vitamins and herbal products.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, a history of alcohol or drug abuse or depression, asthma, breathing problems, or allergies.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Sonata, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Sonata.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Sonata will affect you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Do not take Sonata with or right after a high-fat or heavy meal.

What should I do if I forget a dose?
Do not take a missed dose when you remember it. Skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.

What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from Sonata are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• lack of coordination
• headache
• constipation
• dry mouth
• muscle aches
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
• skin rash
• itching
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• fever
• behavior changes or acting differently
• mental confusion
• abnormal thinking or dreams
• hallucinations
• depression
• worsening of insomnia
• problems with memory.

What storage conditions are needed for this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.