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Zaleplon

  • Zaleplon is only recommended for short term use. The body will become used to zaleplon after about 3 - 14 days, after which time it will have little effect.
  • Zaleplon can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
  • Alcohol will increase drowsiness while you are taking zaleplon. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.

About zaleplon

Type of medicine Hypnotic
Used for Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
Also called Sonata
Available as Capsules

Zaleplon works by acting on receptors in the brain that are involved in the release of chemicals that cause sleepiness and control anxiety. Increasing the amount of chemicals released in the brain reduces anxiety and causes relaxation of the muscles therefore helping to promote sleep.

Before taking zaleplon

Before taking zaleplon make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you suffer from liver problems
  • If you suffer from sleep apnoea (temporary stopping of breathing during sleep)
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease)
  • If you have any respiratory (breathing) problems
  • If you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse
  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding

How to take zaleplon

  • Take zaleplon exactly as directed by your doctor
  • Zaleplon is usually taken just before bedtime

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Zaleplon is only recommended for short term use. The body will become used to zaleplon after about 3 - 14 days, after which time it will have little effect.
  • Alcohol will increase drowsiness while you are taking zaleplon. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.

Can zaleplon cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, dizziness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness.
Nausea Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.

Other side-effects include forgetfulness, unsteadiness, weakness, reduced concentration, hearing, vision and speech disturbances and skin reactions. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: If you experience unusual talkativeness, excitement or aggressive behaviour contact your doctor as soon as possible.

How to store zaleplon

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
1518		 DocRef:
dils3669		 Last Updated:
25 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
24 Oct 2008		 Version:
22
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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