Compare Sonata vs. Hetlioz
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Helps you fall sleep.
Sonata (zaleplon) aids in falling asleep, but it's not as good with helping you stay asleep or with waking up in the middle of the night.
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2.9/ 5 average rating with 175 reviewsforSonata
Keeps the sleep cycle normal for completely blind people who aren't able to see light.
Hetlioz (tasimelteon) is the only approved medicine to help completely blind people who are unable to see light maintain regular sleep cycles. It is only available as a brand name, so it can be expensive.
Upsides
- Effectively helps people fall asleep faster.
- Doesn't last as long in the body like some other sleep medicines, so it may cause less side effects the next morning.
- Generic is available, so it's affordable.
- Hetlioz (tasimelteon) is not addictive.
- Hetlioz (tasimelteon) is the only drug that's approved to help people unable to see light to have regular sleep cycles.
- If you have to stop taking Hetlioz (tasimelteon) suddenly, you're not likely to have withdrawal.
Downsides
- Not typically used for long-term treatment because it can be habit-forming and hasn't been shown to be effective for chronic insomnia.
- Doesn't last as long in the body as other sleep medicines, so it's not as good at helping you stay asleep.
- Not recommended if you can't sleep at least 7-8 hours a night.
- Might not be safe if you have problems with your liver, kidneys, lungs, or if you have a history of depression.
- Hetlioz (tasimelteon) can take weeks to months for you to notice any effect.
- Hetlioz (tasimelteon) is only available as a brand name so it can be expensive.
Used for
- Non-24 hour sleep-wake cycle
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$13.97
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Reviews
175 reviews so far
42%
saidit'sworth it
23%
saiditworked well
27%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Sonata (zaleplon)?
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Side effects
18possible side effects
- Headache42%
- Dizziness9%
- Nausea8%
- Lack of energy7%
- Abdominal pain6%
- Sleepiness6%
- Memory problems4%
- Menstrual cramps4%
- Burning/prickling sensation3%
- Eye pain3%
- Malaise2%
- Loss of appetite2%
- Feelings of detachment2%
- Decreased touch sensations2%
- Tremor2%
- Abnormal vision2%
- Increased sensitivity to sound2%
- Smell disorder2%
5possible side effects
- Headache17%
- Abnormal liver tests10%
- Nightmares or abnormal dreams10%
- Common cold or flu7%
- Urinary tract infection7%
Risks and risk factors
- Dependence and withdrawal
- Continuous use of Sonata (zaleplon) for 2 weeks or more
- Hangover feeling the next day
- Alcohol
- Taking other medications that make you less alert
- Less than 7 hours of sleep
- CNS depressants and abnormal thoughts
- Undiagnosed psychiatric conditions
- Performing activities while asleep
- Taking Sonata (zaleplon) with alcohol or drugs that cause drowsiness
- Serious allergic reactions
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Women of childbearing age
- Breastfeeding
- Sleepiness