Zaleplon (Systemic)
Brand Names : Sonata
Precautions While Using This MedicineIf
you think you need to take zaleplon for more than 7 to 10 days, be sure to
discuss it with your doctor. Insomnia that lasts longer than this may be a
sign of another medical problem.
This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous
system (CNS) depressants (medicines that cause drowsiness). Some examples
of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies
or colds: sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicines; prescription pain
medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants;
or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check
with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine.
This medicine may cause some people, especially older persons, to become
drowsy, dizzy, lightheaded, clumsy or unsteady, or less alert than they are
normally. Even though zaleplon is taken at bedtime, it may cause some people
to feel drowsy or less alert on arising. Make sure you
know how you react to zaleplon before you drive, use machines, or do anything
else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, unsteady, or are not alert
or able to see well.
If you develop any unusual and strange thoughts or behavior while taking
zaleplon, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. Some changes that have occurred
in people taking this medicine are like those seen in people who drink alcohol
and then act in a manner that is not normal. Other changes may be more unusual
and extreme, such as confusion, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, smelling,
or feeling things that are not there), and unusual excitement, nervousness,
or irritability.
If you will be taking zaleplon for a long time, do not stop taking it without
first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually
the amount you are taking before stopping completely. Stopping this medicine
suddenly may cause withdrawal side effects.
After taking zaleplon for insomnia, you may have difficulty sleeping (rebound
insomnia) for the first few nights after you stop taking it.
If you think you or someone else may have taken an
overdose of this medicine, get emergency help at once
. Taking an overdose
of zaleplon or taking alcohol or other CNS depressants with zaleplon may
lead to breathing problems and unconsciousness. Some signs of an overdose
are clumsiness or unsteadiness, confusion, severe drowsiness, low blood
pressure, unusual dullness or feeling sluggish, and troubled breathing.
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