This medication is used for a short time to treat people who have trouble falling asleep. If you have other sleep problems such as not being able to sleep through the night, this medication may not be right for you. Zaleplon is known as a hypnotic. It works on certain centers in the brain to relax you and help you fall asleep faster.
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Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Zaleplon
Uses
This medication is used for a short time to treat people who have trouble falling asleep. If you have other sleep problems such as not being able to sleep through the night, this medication may not be right for you. Zaleplon is known as a hypnotic. It works on certain centers in the brain to relax you and help you fall asleep faster. Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.
- It is against the law.Lifestyle changes may help improve your sleep (e.g., avoid drinking beverages containing caffeine close to bedtime or taking daytime naps).
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) in a light-blocking container away from light and moisture.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, loss of coordination, slow/shallow breathing, and loss of consciousness.
How
To Use - Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor.
- Zaleplon works very quickly, so it is important to take it just before or when you get into bed.
- Zaleplon should not be used for naps or short sleep periods of less than 4 hours because this may increase your risk of side effects such as memory loss or drowsiness.
- Your doctor will work with you to find the smallest dose that works for you.You should not eat a very heavy/high-fat meal within 2 hours before taking this medication since doing so may prevent the drug from working properly.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
- Since this medication is usually prescribed for a short time, your doctor will tell you when to stop taking it or when to cut back.This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time (more than a few weeks) or if it has been used in high doses.
- You may feel anxious or have trouble falling asleep in the first day or two after stopping this medication (rebound insomnia).
- Contact your doctor if you continue to have trouble falling asleep several days after stopping zaleplon.Though it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit forming).
- Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed.
- Properly stop the medication when so directed.
- This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side
Effects - Dizziness, drowsiness, short-term memory loss, or lack of coordination may occur, especially during the first 2 hours after you take the medication.
- Taking the medication properly just before falling asleep will reduce your risk of these effects.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, seeing/hearing things that are not there, rare thoughts of suicide), unusual behavior.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking zaleplon, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or tartrazine, or to FD&C; yellow dye No.
- 5; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, very high/low blood pressure, breathing problems (e.g., asthma), depression, history of drug/alcohol abuse.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution while engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages when you are taking this medication.To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially memory problems.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed
Dose Drug
Interactions - Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: sodium oxybate.If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting zaleplon.Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: melatonin, drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove zaleplon from your body (e.g., azole antifungals such as ketoconazole, cimetidine, rifamycins such as rifabutin/rifampin, certain anti-seizure medicines such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital).Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, promethazine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., levetiracetam), other drugs for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., thioridazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone).Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients.
- Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |