Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Zaleplon

Zaleplon: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Zaleplon?

Zaleplon is a drug prescribed to patients (for a very short period) who have trouble falling asleep. Zaleplon belongs to a class of drugs called ‘Hypnotics’. These drugs activate certain regions of the brain, induce relaxation and help the patient fall asleep. It should be used only on a short-term basis. It works by slowing activity in the brain so that the patient can easily fall asleep.

What are the Uses of Zaleplon?

Zaleplon is prescribed to treat chronic insomnia and must not be used daily, especially if you do not have an underlying sleep disorder. Read the medication guide very carefully before you start taking Zaleplon. The medication is to be taken orally as prescribed. It works very quickly, so it should be ideally consumed just before bedtime. It should be used with caution and under strict medical supervision and is not recommended to be taken if the patient is driving.

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    What are the Side Effects of Zaleplon?

    Zaleplon may cause some side effects in patients such as:

    • Dizziness
    • Drowsiness
    • Lack of coordination
    • Headache
    • Vision problems
    • Distorted sense of smell
    • Painful menstrual cramps

    It is important to consult with your doctor if the side effects are very frequent and unusual, as the doctor may suggest changing the medication. One of the common side effects of this drug is extended grogginess which stretches to the next day, so patients are advised to not drive or deal with heavy machinery and equipment.

    What is Zaleplon

    Uses of Zaleplon

    Side effects of Zaleplon

    References

    1. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-17524/zaleplon-oral/details
    2. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601251.html
    3. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/zaleplon.html

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Zaleplon

    Zaleplon is a drug used for people who suffer from chronic insomnia or those who have trouble falling asleep. It is a controlled substance as it is highly addictive and can be abused by patients if not monitored carefully. It is recommended to keep this medicine in a safe place in order to prevent excessive use.

    Zaleplon, sold under the brand name ‘Sonata’, is classified as a sedative-hypnotic and used to treat patients' insomnia. While it is not a narcotic, it can cause severe addiction and life-threatening sleep behaviour. People who consume Zaleplon are advised to not drive or consume alcohol with this drug.

    Yes, Zaleplon is a hypnotic and is given to patients with insomnia or underlying anxiety. Anxious and depressed patients have trouble falling asleep, and this medication may be prescribed to them to treat underlying insomnia. This drug is also effective for people who wake up in between or have fits of sleep.

    Xanax is a drug that belongs to the category of Benzodiazepines and is not the same as Zaleplon though it is prescribed to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. On the other hand, Zaleplon is also known as ‘sonata’ and is given to help patients sleep better.

    Gabapentin usually treats seizures and neuralgia, whereas Xanax treats severe anxiety and anxiety-induced sleeplessness and insomnia. Xanax is highly habit-forming and addictive and must be consumed under strict medical supervision.

    Zaleplon has a very low bioavailability, as low as 30% compared to that of Zopiclone. However, the treatment dosages for these medications in insomnia patients are the same. This is because of Zaleplon's potency compared to that of Zopiclone.

    There are no conclusive studies on the use of Zaleplon in pregnant women. Doctors should prescribe it after ascertaining the patient’s medical history. If the benefits outweigh the negatives, pregnant women can take it in moderate amounts under strict supervision.

    A safety scoring system points to the fact that Zaleplon is not conducive in breastfeeding mothers due to the possibility of the drug being transmitted to the baby. At the same time, the low levels of the drug found in the milk and its half-life indicate that it may not cause an adverse reaction in young babies.

    No, it is advisable to not consume alcohol with Zaleplon as this may cause excessive drowsiness in the patient. Overdose of alcohol may also lead to speech slurring and vision problems, and at times, coma. If the person is driving, then Zaleplon should not be consumed.

    Ideally, the drug should not be immediately taken after a very heavy and high-fat meal. Wait for the food to digest before you take it. It is best taken at night just before sleeping for maximum efficacy.

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