Zaleplon (ZAL-e-plon)

Treats insomnia (having trouble falling asleep).

Brand Name(s):

Sonata

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Take this medicine just before going to bed or when you will have time to sleep for at least 4 hours.
• You should not use this medicine with a high-fat or heavy meal.
• This medicine is not for long-term use. Zaleplon should be used for no more than 10 days unless otherwise ordered by your doctor.
• If you have used this medicine every night for more than 1 week, do not suddenly stop using it without first checking with your doctor.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.

If a dose is missed:

• If you do not remember until the next morning that you missed a dose of zaleplon the night before, skip the missed dose. Wait until that night to use your medicine.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using rifampin (Rifadin®) or cimetidine (Tagamet®).
• Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have mild liver disease, any breathing problems, or a history of depression, alcoholism, or drug abuse.
• Zaleplon also may cause temporary changes in your behavior, such as aggression, agitation, confusion, or strange behavior. Contact your doctor if you notice any of these signs while using this medicine.
• This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have itching, hives, trouble breathing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth when you take this medicine.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. This medicine may also cause sleep-related behaviors such as sleep-driving, making phone calls, or preparing and eating food while asleep or not fully awake. If these reactions occur, tell your doctor right away.
• Sometimes these effects may last through the next day. Make sure you know how the medicine will affect you before you do any tasks that require you to be alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Changes in behavior or thinking.
• Depressed mood or thoughts of suicide.
• Hallucinations.
• Trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Anxiety.
• Dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness.
• Loss of appetite.
• Loss of memory for the first few hours after using the medicine.
• Trouble with coordination.