Sonata
(zaleplon)
Helps you fall sleep.
Our bottom line
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.
- Price before coupon$78.55
- Lowest price with coupon$13.9782% savings
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (zaleplon)
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.
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What to expect from Sonata, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
175Downsides
- 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.
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What to expect from Sonata, on one page
Download Fact SheetSonata (zaleplon) is in a class of drugs called sedative hypnotics, which are similar to benzodiazepines. It interacts with the GABA receptor in your brain to cause sedative, lowered anxiety, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsive effects.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (zaleplon)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.
Pay as low as$11Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- Get free coupon
$13.97 - Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$17.28
- CostcoGet free coupon$16.18
What to expect when you take Sonata (zaleplon) for Insomnia
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Tremor
- Memory problems
- Nausea
- Lack of energy
Side effect rates for Sonata (zaleplon)
- Headache42%42%35%35%
- Dizziness9%9%7%7%
- Nausea8%8%7%7%
- Lack of energy7%7%5%5%
- Abdominal pain6%6%3%3%
- Sleepiness6%6%4%4%
- Memory problems4%4%1%1%
- Menstrual cramps4%4%2%2%
- Burning/prickling sensation3%3%1%1%
- Eye pain3%3%2%2%
- Malaise2%2%
- Loss of appetite2%2%
- Feelings of detachment2%2%
- Decreased touch sensations2%2%
- Tremor2%2%1%1%
- Abnormal vision2%2%
- Increased sensitivity to sound2%2%
- Smell disorder2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Sonata.
People taking Sonata felt side effect more
People taking Sonata felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Sonata (zaleplon)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Continuous use of Sonata (zaleplon) for 2 weeks or more
All medicines in the same category as Sonata (zaleplon) have a risk of physical dependence. Dependence means that you can feel withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication suddenly if you've been taking it for a long time. Use of Sonata (zaleplon) for longer than 7 to 10 straight days may be a sign of an underlying mental illness which is contributing to your insomnia. Talk to your doctor about natural ways to improve sleep, sleep hygiene, and possibly other conditions that may be making it difficult to sleep.
Common concerns from people taking Sonata (zaleplon)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Might not be safe if you have problems with your liver, kidneys, lungs, or if you have a history of depression.
- Only take it if you have time to sleep for at least 7 hours.
- Not recommended if you can't sleep at least 7-8 hours a night.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed unsureon 4/22/2019Great if your waking up in middle of night and can’t get back to sleep. I can take one pill at 2am and be up by 6:00 with no side effects.41ManJust as neededInsomnia
- Not worth itSome hassleReviewed Sonataon 4/4/2019Not worth the money. Did not fall asleep and when I did I woke hours later.66WomanA month or soInsomnia
- Not sureSome hassleReviewed Sonataon 8/12/2016It didn't help me fall asleep. I would take it and not fall asleep for two or three hours. But because it is short acting, really try and make the most of the first hour that it is supposed to work. Stay in bed and relax.24ManInsomnia (short-term treatment)