Zaleplon Oral
Pronounced
"ZALL-eh-plon"
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.
Warning
Rarely, after taking this drug, people have gotten out of bed and driven vehicles while not fully awake ("sleep-driving"). People have also sleepwalked, prepared/eaten food, made phone calls, or had sex while not fully awake. Often, these people do not remember these events. This problem can be dangerous (possibly fatal) to you or to others. If you find out that you have done any of these activities after taking this medication, tell your doctor right away. You should not take this medication or similar medications (such as eszopiclone, zolpidem) if you have this reaction to the medication.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking zaleplon and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
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. Your doctor will work with you to find the smallest dose that works for you.
Zaleplon should not be used for naps. Do not take a dose of this drug unless you have time for a full night's sleep of at least 7 to 8 hours. If you have to wake up before that, you may have some memory loss and may have trouble safely doing anything that needs alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
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.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. 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.
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.
If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as unusual depressed/anxious mood, stomach/muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, shakiness, or seizures). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used zaleplon for a long time (more than a few weeks) or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.
Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
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