Sonata

Brand Names

Sonata

What is Sonata

Sonata (zaleplon) is a prescription sleep medicine that belongs to a class of medications called sedatives or hypnotics. Sonata is used in the short-term insomnia treatment. It is most effective for people who have trouble falling asleep, rather than people who have trouble staying asleep. It is made by King Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Side effects of Sonata

The common side effects caused by Sonata include the followings:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• lack of coordination
• numbness, burning or tingling in the hands or feet
• headache
• loss of appetite
• vision problems
• eye pain
• sensitivity to noise
• distorted sense of smell
• painful menstrual periods

It is very important to stop using Sonata and contact your doctor if such serious side effects occur:

• rash
• itching
• hives
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips or eyes
• hoarseness
• difficulty breath in gore swallowing

Indication

Sonata is used for the treatment of insomnia. It is very important to note that this medicine does not help you to stay asleep longer or reduce the number of times that you awaken during the night. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep.

Precautions

The usage of Sonata is not recommended if you have the following conditions:

• Sleep apnea or other types of respiratory disease such as emphysema or COPD
• Liver disease or liver failure, including cirrhosis
• Depression
• A history of any addiction
• Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes or preservatives
• Are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Drink alcohol
• Are taking any other medicines, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements

Dosage forms

Sonata dose for Insomnia

For young and middle-age adults the recommended starting dose is Sonata 10 mg right before bedtime. For people who do not weigh very much, a lower starting dose of Sonata 5 mg may be enough. Your doctor may increase your Sonata dose to 20 mg right before bedtime if necessary.

For older people the recommended starting dose is Sonata 5 mg right before bedtime. The maximum dose for older people is Sonata 10 mg right before bedtime.

For people who have mild or moderate liver problems, the recommended dose is Sonata 5 mg. Sonata is not recommended for people with severe liver problems, including liver failure or severe cirrhosis.

People who are taking cimetidine should be started on a lower dose (Sonata 5 mg), because taking these 2 medicines can increase the level of Sonata in the blood.