Details

Zaleplon is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. It affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems (insomnia). Zaleplon is used to treat insomnia. This medicine causes relaxation to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. To make sure zaleplon is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease sleep apnoea (breathing stops while you are asleep) lung disease (asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, COPD) or other breathing problems a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or a history of drug or alcohol addiction. The sedative effects of zaleplon may be stronger in older adults. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents.

Typical Uses

Zaleplon is used for a short time to treat people who have trouble falling asleep. If you have other sleep problems such as not being able to sleep through the night, this medication may not be right for you. Zaleplon is known as a hypnotic. It works on certain centres in the brain to relax you and help you fall asleep faster.

Side Effects

Common zaleplon side effects may include aggression, agitation, changes in behaviour anxiety, nervous feeling, depression, confusion, hallucinations bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing) thoughts of hurting yourself or a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Drug Interactions

• Zaleplon+propoxyphene- Using propoxyphene together with zaleplon may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should take propoxyphene exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take larger doses or use the drug more frequently than prescribed.
• Zaleplon+buprenorphine- Using buprenorphine together with other medications that cause central nervous system depression such as zaleplon can lead to serious side effects such as respiratory distress, coma, or even death. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Do not drink alcohol or self-medicate with these medications without your doctor's approval, and do not exceed the doses or frequency and duration of use prescribed by your doctor.

Mechanism of action

Zaleplon belongs to a class of drugs called nonbenzodiazepines. It works by balancing the chemical activity in the brain and helps to fall asleep.

Pregnancy Category : C