Table of Contents
What is zaleplon?
Zaleplon is a sedative utilized for the treatment of insomnia. It induces relaxation to facilitate falling and staying asleep.
Zaleplon may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Zaleplon side effects
Zaleplon may trigger a severe allergic reaction. Seek emergency medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some individuals using this medication may engage in activities while not fully awake and later have no memory of it. These activities may include walking, driving, or making phone calls. If such instances occur, discontinue zaleplon and contact your doctor immediately.
Serious injury or death could result from walking or driving while not fully awake. Zaleplon may also lead to serious side effects. Call your doctor promptly if you experience anxiety, depression, aggression, agitation, memory problems, unusual thoughts or behavior, thoughts of self-harm, confusion, or hallucinations.
Common side effects of zaleplon may include daytime drowsiness, dizziness, a “hangover” feeling, lightheadedness, coordination problems, or numbness, tingling, or a prickly sensation on your skin.
Warnings
Some individuals using zaleplon may engage in activities while not fully awake and later have no memory of it. If this occurs, stop taking zaleplon and call your doctor right away.
Serious injury or death could occur if you walk or drive while not fully awake.
Before taking this medicine
Do not use zaleplon if you are allergic to it or if you have ever taken sleep medicine and engaged in activities you later don’t remember.
Zaleplon is not approved for use in individuals younger than 18 years old.
Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver or kidney disease, a breathing disorder, depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, or drug/alcohol addiction.
Do not take zaleplon if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The sedative effects of zaleplon may be stronger in older adults, leading to accidental falls. Exercise caution to avoid falls or accidental injuries while taking zaleplon.
How should I take zaleplon?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Zaleplon may be habit-forming, and misuse can lead to addiction, overdose, or death. Keep the medication in a secure place, and do not sell or give it away, as it is against the law.
Zaleplon is intended for short-term use only. Do not take it for longer than 5 weeks without your doctor’s advice.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 to 10 days of treatment or if they worsen.
Do not stop using zaleplon suddenly after taking it over several days in a row, as it may result in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Consult your doctor on how to safely discontinue the medicine.
Store zaleplon at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep track of your medicine to be aware of any improper or unauthorized usage.
Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:
- 10 mg orally once a day, immediately before bedtime OR after going to bed and having trouble falling asleep
- Maximum dose: 20 mg/day
- Doses should be individualized
- Efficacy was established in trials ranging from a single night to 5 weeks
- Use: Short-term treatment of insomnia
Usual Geriatric Dose for Insomnia:
- 5 mg orally once a day, immediately before bedtime OR after going to bed and having trouble falling asleep
- Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
- Doses should be individualized
- Efficacy was established in trials ranging from a single night to 5 weeks
- Use: Short-term treatment of insomnia
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since zaleplon is taken only at bedtime, you will not be on a frequent dosing schedule. Never take this medication if you do not have several hours to sleep before being active again. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of zaleplon can be fatal, especially when taken with other medications that induce drowsiness. Symptoms may include severe drowsiness, confusion, loss of coordination, severe muscle weakness, weak or shallow breathing, and fainting.
What should I avoid while taking zaleplon?
Avoid taking zaleplon during travel, such as to sleep on an airplane, as you may be awakened before the effects wear off. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is more common if you do not get a full night’s sleep after taking zaleplon.
Do not consume alcohol, as it could lead to dangerous side effects or death.
Avoid taking zaleplon with food or right after eating a high-fat or heavy meal, as it may hinder the absorption of the medicine.
Zaleplon can cause side effects that may impair thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Exercise caution when driving, operating machinery, piloting an airplane, or engaging in activities that require wakefulness and alertness until you know how zaleplon affects you.
What other drugs will affect zaleplon?
Using zaleplon with other drugs that induce drowsiness or slow breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Consult your doctor before using opioid medication, other sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Other drugs may interact with zaleplon, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all current medicines and any you start or stop using.
