Zaleplon medication belong to Sedative and hypnotic class. Zaleplon Interacts with the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor complex.

How to Take Zaleplon

Take Zaleplon exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Zaleplon is generally available in market in the form Tablets for oral use 10 mg or 20 mg. Anticipate administering the lowest dose possible, especially to patients at risk (ie, elderly and patients with decreased hepatic function).

Dosage Instructions for Zaleplon Drug

Short-term treatment of insomnia.

Interactions of Zaleplon with other drugs

Alcohol, other CNS depressants: Additive or potentiation of CNS depressant effects.

Cimetidine: May elevate zaleplon plasma levels, increasing the therapeutic and adverse effects.

Rifampin: May reduce zaleplon plasma levels, reducing the effectiveness.

What are the Side Effects of Zaleplon -

Like other medicines, Zaleplon can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Zaleplon include

* Depression; hypertonia; nervousness; abnormal thinking; headache; anxiety; amnesia;

* dizziness; depersonalization; hallucinations; hypesthesia; paresthesia; somnolence; tremor; vertigo.

* Constipation; dry mouth; anorexia; colitis; dyspepsia; nausea.

* Back pain; chest pain; arthritis; abdominal pain; asthenia; fever; malaise; peripheral edema.

* Conjunctivitis; abnormal vision; ear pain; eye pain; hyperacusis; parosmia.

Warnings and precautions before taking Zaleplon :

* Instruct patient before taking Zaleplon to take the medication exactly as directed. Do not increase or decrease the dose or use longer than as directed by health care provider.

* Instruct patient to take zaleplon immediately before going to bed or after going to bed if patient has difficulty falling asleep. Avoid taking medication after a high-fat or heavy meal.

* Instruct patient before taking Zaleplon not to take zaleplon if able to get at least 4 hours of sleep before active again and only for a short period of time (1 or 2 days and generally less than 1 or 2 weeks) to avoid the problems of prolonged use.

* Discuss with primary caregiver and patient the benefits and risks of prolonged use including: memory problems, tolerance, dependence, changes in behavior and thinking, and withdrawal symptoms.

* Instruct patient before taking Zaleplon to inform primary caregiver if taking or planning to take any OTC or prescription medications.

* Warn patient of the dangers of drinking alcohol and taking zaleplon or any other sleeping pill or CNS depressant.

* Caution patient that zaleplon may have some residual sedation at first and to not drive an automobile, operate dangerous machinery, or engage in activities that require mental alertness and coordination until knowing how the patient will react to this drug.

* Instruct patient before taking Zaleplon to inform health care provider if experiencing any unusual or disturbing thoughts or if signs of depression occur.

* Inform patient of potential sleeping problems the first few nights after stopping the medication.

* Caution patient before taking Zaleplon to inform the health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

What if Overdose of Zaleplon ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Zaleplon , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Drowsiness, mental confusion, lethargy, ataxia, hypotonia, hypotension, respiratory depression, coma, death are may be the overdose symptoms of Zaleplon .

What if Missed Dose of Zaleplon ?

If you miss a dose of Zaleplon medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Zaleplon :

Store Zaleplon tablets at controlled room temperature (68? to 77'F). Protect from light and moisture. Zaleplon may be taken without regard to meals. Store at room temperature in tightly closed, light-resistant container out of the reach of children.