How should I take zaleplon?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Take zaleplon only if you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active
again. Never take this medication during your normal waking hours, unless you
have at least 4 hours to dedicate to sleeping.
Take zaleplon with a full
glass of
water.
Avoid taking zaleplon within 1 hour after eating a high-fat or heavy meal. This will make
it harder for your body to absorb the medication.
Zaleplon is for short-term use only. Tell your doctor if your insomnia symptoms do
not improve, or if they get worse after using this medication for 7 to 10 nights in a row. Do not
take zaleplon for longer than 2 weeks without your doctor's advice.
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.
Store zaleplon at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep track of how many capsules have been used from each new bottle of this
medicine. Zaleplon is a
drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is
using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since zaleplon is usually taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Never take this medication if you do not have at least 4 hours to sleep before being active
again. Do not take extra medicine to make up a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include sleepiness, confusion, shallow breathing, feeling
light-headed, fainting, or coma.
What should I avoid while taking zaleplon?
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.
Do not take other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold
medicine,
pain medication, muscle relaxants, and medicine for depression or anxiety).
Avoid taking zaleplon during travel, such as to sleep on an airplane. You may be
awakened before the effects of the medication have worn off. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is more
common if you do not get at least 4 hours of sleep after taking zaleplon.
Print
Email
Media Gallery
Drug Info Tools
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
