There's nothing worse than tossing and turning for hours after going to bed at night without falling asleep. Even though you've worked hard all day and are tired, sometimes you can't keep your mind focused and sleep just slips away. As a treatment for insomnia, your doctor may prescribe a sleeping pill. Zaleplon is a medication that helps you fall asleep quickly. Today, we'll talk about this medication, how to use it, what to watch out for, and what side effects it may have.
What kind of drug is Zaleplon (Sonata)?
Simply put, Zaleplon is a medication used to treat insomnia. Its main function is to help you fall asleep quickly. This medication is not usually prescribed for long-term use, but is prescribed by doctors for short-term use. This medication can be found in Sri Lanka and around the world under the brand name Sonata.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is very important. Before starting a medication like Zaleplon, it is essential that your doctor knows your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Mental health problems: If you have or have had depression, or if you have had suicidal thoughts.
- History of addiction: If you have previously been addicted to drugs or alcohol.
- Other illnesses: If you have liver disease or lung or breathing disease.
- Unusual sleep behaviors: If you have previously taken another sleeping pill and have done things like sleepwalking, eating, or driving without realizing it, you should report it.
- Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this Zaleplon medication, any other medication, food, or preservative.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
Very important: This medicine should only be taken right before you go to bed. Do not take it at any other time of day. Do not take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor.
When you are given the medicine, you will be given a leaflet (MedGuide/Patient Information Leaflet) with details about this. Always read it carefully.
What if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
This medicine is prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else. It is very dangerous.
Can this interact with other medications?
Yes, Zaleplon is a medication that can interact with some other medications. Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamins). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
The table below shows some medications that may interact with Zaleplon.
| Drug category | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Other sleeping pills and epilepsy medications | Medications such as barbiturates, phenytoin, and carbamazepine. |
| Medication for mental illness | Some medications for depression and anxiety. |
| Painkillers | Some strong painkillers (especially those that cause intoxication). |
| Allergy medications | Medicines that cause drowsiness, such as diphenhydramine (which is contained in Piriton in Sri Lanka). |
| Antibiotics and antifungals | Medicines like Erythromycin, Ketoconazole, Fluconazole. |
| Other | Medicines like Cimetidine and Rifampin. |
Things to be especially careful about while taking the medicine
Unusual Sleep Behaviors
This is the most dangerous and important warning you need to know about this medicine.
After taking this medicine, you may get out of bed and do various things without realizing it. For example, sleep-driving, cooking, eating, making phone calls, having sex, or even sleepwalking. The worst thing is that you may not remember any of this the next morning. This has even led to serious accidents. If you find that this has happened to you, stop using the medicine immediately and talk to your doctor.
Do not take Zaleplon on the same day as drinking alcohol or taking other sleeping pills. Doing so will increase this risk.
Next-day drowsiness
This medicine should only be taken when you are able to get at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. This is because, even if you feel fully awake the next morning, your concentration and alertness may be reduced. Therefore, if you have to drive, work at heights, or operate machinery the next day, be very careful.
Behavioral changes
If you or your family notice any changes in your behavior, such as increased depression, thoughts of harming yourself, constant anxiety, or unusual thoughts, don't waste time and tell your doctor.
'Rebound Insomnia'
After stopping taking the medication for a few days, you may find it difficult to fall asleep again for the first day or two. This is called 'rebound insomnia'. This is normal, so don't worry. It usually goes away within a day or two.
Possible side effects
Like any medication, Zaleplon can cause side effects in some people.
| Zaleplon side effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, extreme dizziness, loss of consciousness, difficulty staying awake. |
| Changes in behavior and mood | Anxiety, agitation, confusion, seeing/hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), thoughts of harming oneself, and increased depression. |
| Abnormal sleep behaviors | Sleep-driving, eating, or other activities that you don't remember. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Indigestion/diarrhea | Diarrhea |
| Dizziness | Dizziness |
| Next-day drowsiness | Drowsiness the day after use |
| Numbness or pain in the limbs | Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet |
How to keep medicine safe?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. Keep it in a safe place away from thieves, as it can be addictive. Do not use it after the expiration date.
If you have any unused pills left over, crush them up and mix them with something like cat litter or ground coffee grounds, put them in a tightly sealed container, such as a coffee can, and throw them in the trash. This will help prevent them from being used by other people or animals.
Take-Home Message
- Zaleplon should only be taken right before bed. And you should be able to sleep for at least 7-8 hours straight.
- Never take this medicine with alcohol or other sleeping pills.
- If you experience anything unusual, such as driving or eating while drowsy, stop taking the medication immediately and tell your doctor.
- If you notice any changes in your behavior or mood, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else. Keep it safe and out of the reach of children.
- It is essential to provide your doctor with a complete description of all other medications you are taking.
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