Zaleplon : Before Using

Zaleplon - Systemic

Brand Names

Sonata Zaleplon *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects

Before Using

Sleep medication may cause a special type of memory loss or "amnesia". When this occurs, a person does not remember what has happened during the few hours between use of the drug and the time when its effects wear off. This is usually not a problem since most people fall asleep after taking the drug. In most instances, memory problems can be avoided by taking zaleplon only when you are able to get at least 4 hours of sleep before you need to be active again. Be sure to talk to your family doctor if you think you are having memory problems.

In deciding to using a medication, the chance of taking the drug must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you will make. For zaleplon, the following must be considered

Allergic reaction

Tell your family doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reaction to zaleplon. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy care

Zaleplon has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in pregnant pets have shown that zaleplon slows down the development of the offspring when given to the mother in doses many times the human dose. Before taking this drug, make sure you family doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding problem

Zaleplon passes into breast milk, but the effect on nursing babies is unknown

Use for Children

Studies on this drug have been done only in adult diseaseds, and there is no special info comparing use of zaleplon in child younger than 18 years with adults.

Elderly care

Elderly diseaseds are usually more sensitive than adults people to the effects of zaleplon.

Drug interactions

Although certain medication must not be using together at all, in other cases two various medication may be using together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your family doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking zaleplon, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:

Alcohol - with chronic use
Barbiturates, especially phenobarbital
Carbamazepine - Tegretol
Glutethimide - Doriglute
Phenylbutazone - Butazolidin
Phenytoin - Dilantin
Primidone - Mysoline
Rifampin - Rifadin These medication may decrease the effectiveness of zaleplon

Cimetidine - Tagamet Cimetidine may interfere with the breakdown of zaleplon in the body, possibly leading to unwanted effects

Other central nervous system - CNS depressants - medication that cause drowsiness or
Tricyclic antidepressants - drug for depression The CNS depressant effects of either these medication or zaleplon may be increased, possibly leading to unwanted effects

Other Information for using

The presence of other medical problems may effect the use of zaleplon. Make sure to tell your family doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially

Alcohol abuse - or history of
Drug abuse or dependence - or history of Dependence on zaleplon may develop

Breathing problems
Mental depression Zaleplon may make the condition worse
Liver disease Higher blood levels of zaleplon may result, increasing the risk of side effects.