Zaleplon is a drug that is prescribed to treat short-term insomnia in those having trouble falling asleep. This eMedTV article provides general information on zaleplon and its uses, possible side effects, dosing guidelines, and precautions.
The most commonly reported side effects of zaleplon include headache, dizziness, and nausea. This eMedTV article lists other common side effects of zaleplon, serious problems that should be reported, as well as rare side effects to look out for.
What is zaleplon used for? As this eMedTV segment explains, the drug is used for treating short-term insomnia in adults. This article describes the various types of insomnia, explains how zaleplon works, and discusses zaleplon use in children.
The suggested zaleplon dosing for young and middle-age adults is 10 mg right before bedtime. This eMedTV page also offers zaleplon dosing guidelines for elderly adults, as well as people with liver problems or who are taking cimetidine.
Many medicines may cause drug interactions with zaleplon, including cimetidine, imatinib, and thioridazine. This eMedTV page offers a detailed list of drugs that can cause zaleplon interactions and explains the problems that may occur as a result.
Zaleplon is a controlled substance and may be habit-forming. This eMedTV Web page provides other precautions and warnings with zaleplon, lists possible side effects to look out for, and offers information on who should not take the sleep medicine.
The patent for Sonata has expired, and generic zaleplon is now available. This eMedTV segment offers an overview of generic zaleplon, including information on its available strengths and the manufacturers of it.
There is a possible suicide risk with zaleplon. As this article from the eMedTV archives explains, a possible side effect of zaleplon is depression, which can cause suicidal thoughts. This page explains how zaleplon may increase the risk of suicide.
Drowsiness, troubled breathing, and passing out are possible signs of a zaleplon overdose. This eMedTV article lists other potential signs of an overdose with this medication and describes the various treatment options that are available.
