What is zaleplon?
Zaleplon is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems (insomnia).
Zaleplon is used to treat insomnia. This medication causes relaxation to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
Zaleplon may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about zaleplon?
Zaleplon may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking zaleplon and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Zaleplon will make you fall asleep. Never take this medication during your normal waking hours, unless you have at least 4 hours to dedicate to sleeping.
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking zaleplon and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.
Zaleplon can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Until you know how this medication will affect you during waking hours, be careful if you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking zaleplon. It can increase some of the side effects of zaleplon, including drowsiness.
Zaleplon may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Zaleplon should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking zaleplon after taking it over several days in a row. Do not stop taking zaleplon suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zaleplon?
Zaleplon will make you fall asleep. Never take this medication during your normal waking hours, unless you have at least 4 hours to dedicate to sleeping.
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking zaleplon and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to zaleplon.
Before taking zaleplon, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
liver disease;
sleep apnea (breathing stops while you are asleep);
lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; or
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take zaleplon.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Zaleplon can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
The sedative effects of zaleplon may be stronger in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take sedatives. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking zaleplon.
Zaleplon may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Zaleplon should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.