Zaleplon

Generic Name : Zaleplon

TradeName : Stilnite, Zalep, Zalpilo, Zaso

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Zaleplon is used on a short-term basis to treat insomnia. It helps you to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.

When it is to be taken : Zaleplon is taken at bedtime when needed. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Zaleplon can be habit-forming; do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer period than your doctor tells you to. Do not stop taking zaleplon without talking to your doctor.

How it should be taken : Zaleplon comes as a capsule and is taken orally. Do not take zaleplon with or right after a high-fat or heavy meal.

Special Instruction :
1. Zaleplon may make you dizzy. Therefore stay in bed after taking the drug. The dizziness may persist until the next day, and your coordination and alertness may be decreased. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

2. Since Zaleplon can be habit-forming, do not take more of it or take it for a longer period than prescribed.

3. To prevent an accidental overdose, do not keep more than one dose at your bedside. If you accidentally take too much Zaleplon, contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

4. Do not stop the drug abruptly, consult your doctor for it to be tapered gradually

Side Effects :
1.Zopiclone may cause side effects like drowsiness, headache, dizziness, loss of coordination, lightheadedness, constipation,dry mouth and muscle aches.

2.It can also cause,chest pain, difficulty breathing, fever, behavior changes, mental confusion, abnormal thinking or dreams, hallucinations, depression, worsening of insomnia and problems with memory. Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.

 Other Precautions :
1.Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had myasthenia gravis, sleep apnea (condition in which the patient briefly stops breathing many times during the night), other breathing problems, or liver or kidney disease.

2.Do not take other sleeping pills while taking Zaleplon. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness and dizziness caused by this drug.

3.Women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, think they may be pregnant, or are breast-feeding should tell their doctors. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

4.Before you take this drug, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially antidepressants such as imipramine, itraconazole, seizure medication like phenytoin and carbamazepine, prescription pain medication, cimetidine, rifampin, barbiturates, tranquilizers, sedatives, antihistamines, and medication for allergies and colds.

5.Do not allow anyone else to take this medication

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature.