Zaleplon

Insomnia

Treatment

1 FDA approval

0 Active Studies for Zaleplon

What is Zaleplon

Zaleplon

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Zaleplon is a medication used to treat insomnia. It works by affecting the GABA receptor complex in the brain and has similar effects to benzodiazepines, though it is not classified as a benzodiazepine. Zaleplon is a controlled substance in the United States and is classified as a Schedule IV drug.

Sonata

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Zaleplon Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Sonata

Zaleplon

1999

64

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Zaleplon, otherwise called Sonata, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses which include Insomnia .

Insomnia

Effectiveness

How Zaleplon Affects Patients

Zaleplon is a drug used to treat insomnia in the short-term. It does not belong to the same class as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or other drugs used to help people sleep, but it works in a similar way. It interacts with proteins in the brain known as GABA<sub>B</sub>Z and GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors. This helps to calm the brain and body, eliminating anxiety and muscle tension and promoting sleep.

How Zaleplon works in the body

Zaleplon affects the GABA receptor, which is a type of protein found in the brain. It binds to the omega-1 receptor, located on the alpha subunit of the GABA receptor, and helps it to open up. This allows chloride ions to flow through, which helps to relax the body and reduce anxiety.

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested dosage of Zaleplon is contingent upon the determined circumstance. The measure of dosage also fluctuates as per the method of delivery featured in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Insomnia

, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg

Capsule, , Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated

Warnings

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Zaleplon.

Common Zaleplon Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Astemizole

Major

The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Zaleplon.

Axitinib

Major

The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Zaleplon.

Azelastine

Major

Zaleplon may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.

Cabazitaxel

Major

The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Zaleplon.

Copanlisib

Major

The metabolism of Copanlisib can be decreased when combined with Zaleplon.

Zaleplon Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Common side effects of Acetaminophen include abdominal pain, forgetfulness, feeling lightheaded, being sleepy, eye discomfort, headaches, trouble remembering things, menstrual cramps, feeling nauseous, extreme drowsiness, a tingling sensation, and body weakness.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Zaleplon Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Zaleplon?

82 active clinical trials are currently evaluating the efficacy of Zaleplon in the treatment of Insomnia.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Insomnia

0 Actively Recruiting

Zaleplon Reviews: What are patients saying about Zaleplon?

5

Patient Review

10/16/2014

Zaleplon for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I took this medicine before bed and woke up feeling incredibly angry five different times in the middle of the night. This has never been an issue for me, so I'm attributing it to the medication. I only took it once and will be asking my doctor for a new prescription.

5

Patient Review

7/2/2022

Zaleplon for Difficulty Falling Asleep

This medication has really improved the quality of my life. I've been struggling with insomnia for decades, and this is the first medication that has given me some relief. It's important to keep in mind that it works quickly, so once you take it, you need to put down any electronics and just wait for it to kick in.

5

Patient Review

3/19/2021

Zaleplon for Insomnia with Middle of the Night Awakening and 4 Hours Sleep Time Remaining

This medication is effective when I have already slept for a few hours and then wake up in the middle of the night.

4.7

Patient Review

6/18/2016

Zaleplon for Insomnia with Middle of the Night Awakening and 4 Hours Sleep Time Remaining

I've taken this for an extended period of time due to nighttime awakening (after 3-4 hours sleep). I have no problems falling asleep. This medication usually wears off in the span of 3 to 4 hours, and I awaken feeling rested most times without any grogginess.

4.7

Patient Review

8/24/2016

Zaleplon for Difficulty Falling Asleep

I find that this medication is really effective for when I have difficulty falling asleep. It usually only takes about half an hour before I'm out, and then I'll sleep soundly for four to six hours which is great.

4.3

Patient Review

9/24/2014

Zaleplon for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Zaleplon has unfortunately had the opposite effect on me than what it is supposed to. I generally feel more awake after taking it and have a hard time falling asleep. Will be asking my doctor for something else.

3.7

Patient Review

3/24/2018

Zaleplon for Insomnia with Middle of the Night Awakening and 4 Hours Sleep Time Remaining

I was prescribed this drug after being unable to sleep without medication for bipolar disorder. I've now been taking it for a while and my melatonin levels still have not returned to normal. Zaleplon has helped me immensely, but I'm hoping to be able to eventually wean off of it.

3.3

Patient Review

7/29/2021

Zaleplon for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

My first experience with this treatment was not great. I had a few drinks one night and then took the recommended dosage before bed. I woke up to my girlfriend telling me that I almost peed on the floor and my drumset (oops). Apparently, I blacked out completely. As for sleep, it was very difficult to get any rest. Trazadone has been a much better option for me since I don't drink anymore.

2.7

Patient Review

2/21/2022

Zaleplon for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

The medication doesn't put me to sleep right away, but I usually end up sleeping for a few hours after taking it. The problem is that then I wake up and can't fall back asleep for another three hours or so.

2.3

Patient Review

2/22/2015

Zaleplon for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I found that I needed to take 10 mg of this medication about two hours before I wanted to go to sleep. Additionally, I also took 100 mg of Trazodol half an hour before bed. This allowed me to sleep for eight hours; however, I felt unbalanced the next day.

2.3

Patient Review

6/3/2015

Zaleplon for Insomnia with Middle of the Night Awakening and 4 Hours Sleep Time Remaining

This stuff is pretty scary. Make sure you follow the warnings and don't take more than the prescribed dosage. I've had some really strange dreams, sleepwalked and even gotten into a bike accident while on this medication. It's just not worth the risk. Stick to exercise, hot milk and a good book instead.

2.3

Patient Review

7/31/2014

Zaleplon for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

2.3

Patient Review

9/11/2014

Zaleplon for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

2.3

Patient Review

6/28/2017

Zaleplon for Difficulty Falling Asleep

I didn't see any benefits from this treatment.

2

Patient Review

5/10/2022

Zaleplon for Difficulty Falling Asleep

I was extremely disappointed with this medication. It did not help me at all.

2

Patient Review

4/8/2019

Zaleplon for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Unfortunately, this didn't work for me. I found it difficult to fall asleep and when I finally did, I only slept for a few hours.

1

Patient Review

4/29/2022

Zaleplon for Difficulty Falling Asleep

I took the recommended dosage of this medicine, but it unfortunately did not help me sleep at all.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about zaleplon

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

How long does it take for zaleplon to kick in?

"Both medications are taken by mouth immediately before bedtime. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes for them to start working."

Answered by AI

Is zaleplon a controlled substance?

"This final rule is effective May 6, 2003.

The DEA has placed the substance zaleplon, including its salts, into Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act. This final rule is effective May 6, 2003."

Answered by AI

Is zaleplon like Xanax?

"Zaleplon and Xanax are both drugs that serve different purposes. Zaleplon is a sedative/hypnotic that is used for treating insomnia on a short-term basis, while Xanax is an anti-anxiety medication used for treating anxiety orders and panic attacks."

Answered by AI

Is zaleplon good for sleep?

"Zaleplon is a sleeping pill that is used to treat insomnia. It works by slowing down the nervous system, which helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night."

Answered by AI