Drugs & Vitamins

Sonata Active Ingredients: Zaleplon Representative Names: Sonata Available Product Images: What are zaleplon capsules? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with zaleplon? What side effects may I notice from taking zaleplon? What should I watch for while taking zaleplon? Where can I keep my medicine? What are zaleplon capsules? (Back to top) ZALEPLON (Sonata®) is a sedative-type drug that helps to treat difficulty falling asleep (insomnia). If your main sleep problem is waking up after falling asleep, then zaleplon will not be helpful for you. Zaleplon helps people with problems falling asleep and should not be taken for long periods, except on your prescriber's advice. Do not share your medicine with anyone else. Generic zaleplon capsules are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •an alcohol or drug abuse problem •attempted suicide •breathing difficulty, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), untreated asthma, or sleep apnea •liver disease •mental depression •an unusual or allergic reaction to zaleplon, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take zaleplon capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. It is better to take zaleplon on an empty stomach (without food). Take zaleplon immediately before going to bed or after you have gone to bed and are having trouble falling asleep. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Elderly patients over age 65 years or seriously ill patients may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. Zaleplon should only be taken immediately before getting into bed or after getting in bed and having trouble falling asleep. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with zaleplon? (Back to top) •alcohol and alcoholic beverages •barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions) •carbamazepine •cimetidine •kava kava •melatonin •muscle relaxants •phenytoin •rifampin •valerian •certain medications for allergies, such as azatadine, clemastine, diphenhydramine •certain medications for depression, anxiety, or other emotional or psychiatric problems. •certain medications for pain •certain medications for sleep Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking zaleplon? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •allergic reaction (itchy, watery eyes, rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, tongue, or throat) •confusion •hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not really there) •hostility, restlessness, excitability •lightheadedness or fainting spells •mental depression or worsening of depression •sleepwalking or performing other activities while asleep •slurred speech •staggering, tremors •suicidal thoughts •unusual weakness •vision problems Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •difficulty with coordination •dizziness, drowsiness 'hangover' effect •nightmares •stomach upset •diarrhea •loss of memory What should I watch for while taking zaleplon? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If sleep medicine is taken every night for a long time it may no longer help you to sleep. In most cases zaleplon should only be taken for a few days and for not longer than 1 or 2 weeks. Consult your prescriber or health care professional if you still have difficulty in sleeping. Be sure to take only the amount of zaleplon prescribed by your health care provider. If you feel you need a higher dose, contact your health care provider to discuss your options. If you have been taking zaleplon regularly and suddenly stop taking it, you may get unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Your prescriber or health care professional may want to gradually reduce the dose. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. After you stop taking zaleplon you may get rebound insomnia. This means that for a few nights you may have trouble sleeping, but this usually goes away after 1 or 2 nights. After taking zaleplon you may get a residual hangover effect that leaves you drowsy or dizzy the next day. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how zaleplon affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase the drowsy or dizzy effects. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Sleep medicines sometimes cause a type of memory loss, in which the person may not remember what has happened in the several hours after taking the medication. This type of memory loss is usually not a problem since this medicine is taken at bedtime; however there have been reports of driving or performing other activities while asleep after taking a sleep medicine. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you think you are having memory problems while on this medication. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking zaleplon. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 20°—25°C (68°—77°F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:03/26/2007 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.