Fact Sheet: Zolpidem (Ambien) and Zaleplon (Sonata)
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital |
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| NEW YORK WEILL CORNELL CENTER |
COLUMBIA PRESBYTERIAN CENTER |
š Fact Sheet: Zolpidem (Ambien) and Zaleplon (Sonata) œ
What Kind of Medicines are Ambien and Sonata
Are Ambien and
Sonata Similar to Other Medicines Used to Treat Insomnia?
How are Ambien
and Sonata Different From Each Other?
What are Some of
the Basic Facts About Ambien and Sonata?
What is the Usual
Course of Treatment?
What are the
Most Common Side Effects?
What Do I Need to
Know in Order to Take Ambien or Sonata Safely?
What Kind of
Medicines are Ambien and Sonata
Ambien and Sonata are sleeping
pills.
Are Ambien and
Sonata Similar to Other Medicines Used to Treat Insomnia?
Ambien and Sonata are somewhat
different from the other medicines used to treat insomnia. They are
not benzodiazepines, but like the benzodiazepines they are
controlled substances.
How are Ambien
and Sonata Different From Each Other?
These two medicines are similar.
The difference is that Sonata brings on sleep more rapidly than
Ambien, and acts for a shorter period of time. As a result, Sonata
will bring on sleep more quickly, but Ambien is more useful for
people who have trouble staying asleep all night.
What are Some of
the Basic Facts About Ambien and Sonata?
-
It is not yet known if these two medicines are addictive.
-
It is not yet known if they are effective when used nightly for longer than a few weeks.
-
When Ambien and Sonata are combined with alcohol, they increase the effects of the alcohol
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It may be dangerous to stop taking either of these medicines abruptly. The dose needs to be reduced slowly and gradually when stopping.
What is the Usual
Course of Treatment?
-
You’re given a small dose at bedtime to begin with—usually 5 or 10 mg.
-
The dose may be increased to 10 mg if a lower dose is not effective. In some cases, a higher dose may be used.
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It is recommended that these medications be used to treat insomnia for no longer than a week or two when used every night
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When stopped, the dose is slowly and gradually reduced.
What are the
Most Common Side Effects?
The side effects that most often
cause problems are drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or
problems with coordination or memory.
What Do I Need to
Know in Order to Take Ambien or Sonata Safely?
-
Ask your doctor or nurse about anything you don't understand.
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Use some kind of reminder system so you can keep track of every dose.
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Take the medicine exactly as prescribed.
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Use no other medicines, prescription or non-prescription, without first talking to your prescriber. If another doctor or nurse orders medicine, make sure he or she knows what you're already taking.
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Carry a list of all the medicines you take regularly.
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Report any side effects to your prescriber.
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Don't borrow or lend these medicines.
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Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
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If these medicines make you sleepy, don't drive a car or operate other dangerous machinery.
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Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.