Zaleplon
SONATA
What it isNon-benzodiazepine GABA-A modulator; sleep-onset insomnia.
Why this oneThe shortest half-life of the z-drugs, so it can be taken in the middle of the night with little morning residue.
What limits itIt does nothing for sleep maintenance. Complex sleep behaviors as for the class.
FDA-approved for
- insomnia (1999)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insomnia (short-term) | nonelderly adult | 10 mg QHS | 10 mg QHS | 20 mg QHS |
| Insomnia | elderly/debilitated | 5 mg QHS | 5 mg QHS | 10 mg QHS |
Renal Mild-moderate: no adjustment; severe: not adequately studied
Hepatic Mild-moderate: 5 mg; severe: not recommended
Doses above 20 mg not recommended
Instructions
- Take immediately before bedtime or after going to bed with difficulty falling asleep
- Avoid taking with or immediately after a high-fat/heavy meal (delays absorption, reduces effect)
- Low-weight individuals: 5 mg may suffice
Contraindications
- Patients who have experienced complex sleep behaviors after taking zaleplon
Cautions
- Complex sleep behaviors
- CNS depression / next-day impairment
- Amnesia and other neuropsychiatric symptoms
- Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions
Adverse reactions
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Somnolence
- Amnesia
- Paresthesia
- Abdominal pain
Pregnancy Undefined
Lactation Undefined
⚠ BOXED WARNING
- Complex sleep behaviors including sleepwalking and sleep-driving
Cost, est. cash$5–$150/month
Generic entry2008
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryC
Defining liabilityComplex sleep behaviors and additive CNS depression; short half-life limits prolonged toxicity.
Mechanism of action: Zaleplon ballicule
Open Zaleplon in the interactive console ↗
Memory aids: mascots and interaction avatars
Zales is a diamond store
short pulses → short duration of action
