Zaleplon

Information about Zaleplon

Zaleplon uses

Zaleplon is used in the treatment of insomnia.

How zaleplon works

Zaleplon is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic. Along with sedative, it may also have anxiolytic (panic-reducing or antianxiety), muscle relaxant properties. It works by binding GABA-A/chloride ion channel receptor complex (receptor), thus relaxes the nerves and brain. This is how it helps you to fall asleep.

Common side effects of zaleplon

Dizziness, Sleepiness, Headache, Hallucination, Abdominal pain, Weakness, Nausea, Pain during periods, Eye pain, Photosensitivity, Peripheral edema, Depersonalisation (feelings of being outside the body), Ear pain, Parosmia (altered sense of smell), Increased bilirubin in the blood, Increased glucose level in blood, Increased uric acid level in blood, Apnea (absence of breathing), Delusion, Albumin in urine, Eyelid inflammation, Pleural effusion

Available Medicine for Zaleplon

Stilnite
₹36
Zydus Cadila
1 variant(s)
Zalep
₹35 to ₹62
Cipla Ltd
2 variant(s)
Hyplon
₹65 to ₹110
Consern Pharma Limited
2 variant(s)
Zonesta
₹45 to ₹62
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
2 variant(s)
Zaso
₹24 to ₹41
Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd
2 variant(s)
Zaplon
₹35 to ₹77
Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
2 variant(s)
Zanlop
₹28 to ₹49
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
2 variant(s)
Andant
₹27
Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd
1 variant(s)
Zapsign
₹65
HAB Pharma
1 variant(s)

Expert advice for Zaleplon

Your doctor has prescribed Zaleplon to help you fall asleep faster and sleep for longer.
It is best taken without food as a high-fat meal can reduce its absorption and effect.
Take it 30 to 45 minutes before bedtime and only when you have time to sleep for at least 7 hours.
It makes you feel dizzy next morning. Don't drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
It does not affect total sleep time. However, it reduces sleep onset time and frequent awakening at night.
Never share your medication with any other person who also has a sleep problem.
Inform your doctor if your sleep doesn’t improve after 7 to 10 days of treatment.
Stop taking medication and inform your doctor If you experience sleep driving or memory loss.
Do not stop taking medication suddenly as it may lead to anxiety, mood changes, and restlessness.

Frequently asked questions for Zaleplon

Zaleplon

Q. Does Zaleplon have abuse potential?

Yes, Zaleplon has abuse potential. However, it is more commonly seen in patients with a history of drug abuse, alcohol consumption, and drug addiction. Therefore, doctors should carefully take history of drug abuse from the patient. Moreover, patients with a history of drug abuse or addiction should be closely monitored during Zaleplon therapy.

Q. What are the symptoms of an overdose of Zaleplon?

The symptoms of Zaleplon overdose include drowsiness, confusion, problems with coordination, floppy muscles, slow or difficult breathing, and even coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time).

Q. What should I should avoid when taking Zaleplon?

Zaleplon can make you drowsy during the daytime and also decrease your mental alertness. Therefore, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery until and unless you know how Zaleplon affects you. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Zaleplon. Alcohol can make the side effects of Zaleplon even worse.

Q. Who should not take Zaleplon?

You should not take Zaleplon if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. You should also avoid Zaleplon if you have a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts. A person having a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction, having kidney or liver disease, having a lung disease or breathing problems should avoid Zaleplon. Also, its consumption is not recommended if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Q. Can I take Zaleplon with food?

No, do not take Zaleplon with or shortly after a heavy, high-fat meal. Zaleplon may not work well if it is taken with high-fat foods.

Q. Can Zaleplon be taken everyday? How long should it be taken?

Zaleplon is used for short-term (2-4 weeks) treatment of insomnia (difficulty falling asleep). It should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The dose and duration of treatment should not be exceeded else it may lead to dependence (addiction towards medicine).

Q. Does Zaleplon cause dry mouth and affect weight?

Yes, dry mouth is a common side effect of Zaleplon, whereas weight gain is less common with Zaleplon. If you experience weight gain, it could be due to increased appetite.

Q. How long does Zaleplon take to start working?

Zaleplon starts working as soon as you take it and may make you very sleepy. You may remain sleepy for some time after you take the medication. Plan to go to bed right after you take Zaleplon and to stay in bed for 7 to 8 hours. Do not take Zaleplon if you will be unable to go to bed right away.

Q. What are the withdrawal symptoms of Zaleplon?

Do not stop taking Zaleplon without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking Zaleplon, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as unpleasant feelings, stomach and muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and rarely, seizures.

Q. How can I improve my sleep without medicines?

You can improve your sleep by avoiding caffeine and nicotine, especially late in the day. Avoid exercise during the four hours before bedtime; daily exercise is beneficial to sleep, but can interfere if done close to bedtime. Avoid large meals in the evening. Avoid taking naps. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. Keep the bedroom as dark as possible and maintain a comfortable temperature. Set aside a time to relax before bed and use relaxation techniques.

Q. What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. People with insomnia experience trouble in falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. As a result, they may get too little sleep or have poor-quality sleep, and they may not feel refreshed after waking up.

Q. What are the causes of insomnia?

Insomnia can be of two types- primary or secondary. In primary insomnia, the cause is not known. It can be triggered by life-style changes including long-lasting stress and emotional upset. Whereas, secondary insomnia can be caused due to various reasons such as certain medical conditions (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease), medicines, sleep disorders, and substances (caffeine and other stimulants, tobacco and other nicotine products, and alcohol).