Links to other pages within Patient UK which are related to this topic:
Experience | Leaflets | News | Products | Other

Print options:

Other options:

Zaleplon

Post your experience

Zaleplon is only recommended for short term use. The body will become used to zaleplon after a couple of weeks. After this 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 feel depressed.
If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

Zaleplon is not suitable for children and young people under 18 years of age.

How to take zaleplon

Take zaleplon exactly as directed by your doctor.
Zaleplon is usually taken just before bedtime.
Do not take more than one dose in a single night.

Getting the most from your treatment

Zaleplon is only recommended for short term use. The body will become used to zaleplon after a few weeks, 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.
Your body can get used to medicines like zaleplon and become dependent on them. If you are concerned about this, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.

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
Less common side-effects include forgetfulness, unsteadiness, weakness, reduced concentration, hearing, vision and speech disturbances and skin reactions	If any of these are troublesome, speak with your doctor

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 and sight 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. Take the container with you, 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.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Sonata®, Meda AB, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated January 2008, accessed December 2008.
British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID: 1518

DocRef: dils3669

Last Reviewed: 5 Jan 2009

Version: 23

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

Patient UK Hearing Impairment Survey

Patient UK are grateful to the 550 people who took part in this survey.
To see the results click here.
If you'd like to leave your feedback, please go to our interactive forum.

Links to other pages within Patient UK which are related to this topic:
Experience | Leaflets | News | Products | Other

Print options:

Other options:

Advert

Want to search some more? Use the Google Search box below to search our site.

Related pages in Patient UK

Your Experience (^ top of page)

Please add your experience about this condition / medicine

Health Topic information leaflets related to this topic (^ top of page)

Benzodiazepines and Z Drugs

Benzodiazepines and Z Drugs - Stopping After Long Term Use

Insomnia - Sleeping Tablets

Patient UK Newspaper (^ top of page)

Latest Health News

View current health news

Other - Useful resources (^ top of page)

Pictures, diagrams, photos, images, etc.
Evidence based medicine
Online textbooks and journals
UK Guidelines
Online Videos
Medline
Other good health sites

Want to search some more? Use the Google Search box below to search our site.

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Information Leaflets which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Support Groups which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Medicines & Drugs which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of diagrams which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of PatientPlus (detailed reference) articles which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of UK Guidelines which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of other selected websites which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Poems and Stories which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Operations and Procedures which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Online Videos which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links through to our interactive forum.
Here you can follow a link to view existing patient experiences on this subject, or to add your own

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to news stories on this subject in our Online Newspaper

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to related products

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to other useful sources of information

Click here to open a printer-friendly version of this document, in a new window, together with the print dialogue box

Click here to open this document in PDF format
This will offer you the usual PDF options i.e. document navigation, search, zoom and formatted print
Note: this is the best way to print the document

Click here to listen to the MP3 audio recording of this document

Click here to download the audio recording of this document as a podcast, for listening to at your leisure

Click here to open our Dictionaries and Glossaries page

Click here to see related products in our Online Pharmacy
Note: this will open in a new window

Click here to add this page to a social bookmarking site of your choice

Click here if you want to find out more about social bookmarking. This link will take you to the Wikipedia explanation
Note: this will open in a new window