Drug Name: SONATA
ZALEPLON - ORAL (ZALL-eh-plon)
COMMON SONATA BRAND NAME(S): Sonata
SONATA USES: Sonata is used for the short-term treatment of sleep problems (insomnia).
HOW TO USE SONATA: Take Sonata by mouth, immediately before bedtime or after you have gone to bed and have difficulty sleeping, or take Sonata as directed by your doctor. Do not take Sonata with, or immediately after, a high-fat or heavy meal. Sonata helps you fall asleep. To minimize Sonata side effects while you are awake (e.g., dizziness or memory trouble), take Sonata when you are in bed and are able to get at least four hours of sleep before you need to be active again. Do not use Sonata for longer than ten days without your doctor's approval. If your sleep problems continue, consult with your doctor. Use Sonata exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your Sonata dose, take Sonata more frequently or use Sonata for a longer period of time than prescribed because Sonata can be habit-forming. Also, if Sonata is used for a longer period of time, do not stop using Sonata without your doctor's approval.
SONATA SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, drowsiness, nausea or stomach upset may occur after taking Sonata. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects from taking Sonata: dizziness, weakness, loss of coordination, muscle joint pain. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects of Sonata: mental/mood changes, persistent trouble sleeping, memory problems, loss of appetite, tingling of the hands or feet, rash, itching, tremors, eye/ear problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these very unlikely but serious side effects of Sonata: fast/slow/irregular pulse, chest pain, trouble breathing, blood in the stool, unusual thirst, change in amount of urine. If you notice other effects from taking Sonata not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
SONATA PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies, liver disease, lung/breathing problems, mental/mood problems (e.g., depression), alcohol use or drug dependence. Avoid alcohol, as it may aggravate certain side effects of Sonata (e.g., dizziness, drowsiness). Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness while taking Sonata (e.g., driving). You may have trouble sleeping the first few nights after you stop using Sonata. This problem usually goes away after one or two nights. If sleep problems persist, consult with your doctor. Use Sonata with caution in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to the effects of Sonata. Sonata should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking Sonata with your doctor. Sonata passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Sonata is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding if considering using Sonata.
SONATA DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use if considering taking Sonata, especially of: rifamycin antibiotics (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), antidepressants (e.g., imipramine, amitriptyline), ulcer medication (e.g., cimetidine). Also report any drugs causing drowsiness such as: other medicines for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medications (e.g., thioridazine), anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check all medicine labels carefully, especially cough-and-cold preparations, since many contain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Consult your pharmacist regarding safe use of these products with Sonata. Do not start or stop Sonata or any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. SONATA OVERDOSE: If Sonata overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of Sonata overdose may include drowsiness; confusion; sluggishness; loss of coordination; slow, shallow breathing; and loss of consciousness.
SONATA NOTES: Do not share Sonata with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress while or after taking Sonata.
MISSED SONATA DOSE: If you miss a Sonata dose, use Sonata as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next Sonata dose, skip the missed Sonata dose and resume your usual Sonata dosing schedule. Do not double the Sonata dose to catch up. SONATA STORAGE: Store Sonata at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store Sonata in a moist bathroom. Keep Sonata and all medications out of the reach of children.
IMPORTANT SONATA NOTE: THE FOLLOWING 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 USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING SONATA.
