Zaleplon (Cont.)

Zaleplon: When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take zaleplon include:
 
  • Zaleplon comes in capsule form and is taken immediately before bedtime.
     
  • It is recommended that you take your zaleplon dose with a glass of water, not right after a meal, and not with food. Taking zaleplon with food may make it less effective.
     
  • Zaleplon works very quickly; make sure that you are ready for sleep before taking this drug. Do not take zaleplon before driving or performing any tasks that require concentration.
     
  • For zaleplon to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Zaleplon Dosage

The dose of zaleplon that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your zaleplon dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Zaleplon Dosing for more information about dosing for zaleplon.)
 

Zaleplon Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with zaleplon. However, not everyone who takes zaleplon will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medicine well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
The most common side effects with zaleplon include:
 
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Drowsiness.
     
(Click Side Effects of Zaleplon to learn more about specific zaleplon side effects, including serious side effects to look out for.)
 
You can also read about other possible side effects by clicking on the following eMedTV links:
 
(Zaleplon Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;