Zaleplon (Sonata® and generic) is a hypnotic with a chemical structure unrelated to benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or other drugs. Here is basic information about this medication.
FDA-approved indications
Short-term treatment of insomnia (decreases sleep latency)
Dosage
Initial: 10 mg once daily at bedtime or after going to sleep if having trouble going to sleep
Maximum: 20 mg once daily at bedtime
Special considerations
a) Low weight
5 mg once daily at bedtime
b) Elderly or debilitated
Recommended: 5 mg, maximum: 10 mg
c) Mild to moderate hepatic impairment: 5 mg once daily at bedtime
d) Severe hepatic impairment: not recommended
Dosage forms and strengths
Capsules: 5 mg, 10 mg
Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.
Related Pages
Practical tips on using hypnotics: the Z drugs
Practical tips on using hypnotics: benzodiazepines
Relaxation Practice: A Simple and Powerful Tool for Anxiety, Tension, and Insomnia
Three important pieces of information about benzodiazepines
Sleep Hygiene worksheets-Part 1 and Part 2
Sleep log: Ten important questions about the person’s sleep
References
Zaleplon (Sonata®) Prescribing Information
Copyright 2016, Rajnish Mago, MD. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.
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