Drug name:
Sonata
General
information
Sonata® belongs to the class of
drugs called hypnotics, and is used for the short
term treatment of sleep problems (insomnia). Hypnotics should generally be
limited to 7 to 10 days of use.
Reevaluation is recommended if hypnotics are taken for more than
2 to 3 weeks. |
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How to use Sonata
Take Sonata by mouth, immediately before bedtime or after
you have gone to bed and have difficulty sleeping, as
directed by your doctor. Do not take Sonata
with, or immediately after, a high-fat or heavy meal.
Sonata helps you fall asleep. To minimize side
effects while you are awake (e.g., dizziness or memory
trouble), take Sonata when you are in bed and
are able to get at least four hours of sleep before you
need to be active again. Do not use Sonata for
longer than ten days without your doctor's approval. If
your sleep problems continue, consult with your doctor.
Use Sonata exactly as prescribed. Do not
increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it
for a longer period of time than prescribed because this
drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a longer
period of time, do not stop using Sonata
without your doctor's approval.
Sonata Side Effects
Headache,
drowsiness, nausea or stomach upset may occur. If any of
these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor
promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any
of these serious side effects: dizziness, weakness, loss
of coordination, muscle joint pain. Tell your doctor
immediately if you have any of these unlikely but
serious side effects: mental/mood changes, persistent
trouble sleeping, memory problems, loss of appetite,
tingling of the hands or feet, rash, itching, tremors,
eye/ear problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you
have any of these very unlikely but serious side
effects: fast/slow/irregular pulse, chest pain, trouble
breathing, blood in the stool, unusual thirst, change in
amount of urine. If you notice other effects not listed
above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Sonata Precautions
Tell your
doctor your medical history, including: allergies, liver
disease, lung/breathing problems, mental/mood problems
(e.g., depression), alcohol use or drug dependence.
Avoid alcohol, as it may aggravate certain side effects
of this drug (e.g., dizziness, drowsiness). Use caution
when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g.,
driving). You may have trouble sleeping the first few
nights after you stop using Sonata. This
problem usually goes away after one or two nights. If
sleep problems persist, consult with your doctor. Use
with caution in the elderly, as they may be more
sensitive to the effects of Sonata. This
medication should be used only when clearly needed
during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with
your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk.
Because of the potential risk to the infant,
breast-feeding while using this medication is not
recommended. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.
Drug interactions
Tell
your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
medication you may use, especially of: rifamycin
antibiotics (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), antidepressants
(e.g., imipramine, amitriptyline), ulcer medication
(e.g., cimetidine). Also report any drugs causing
drowsiness such as: other medicines for sleep,
sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic
pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medications
(e.g., thioridazine), anti-seizure medications (e.g.,
phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine), muscle
relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g.,
diphenhydramine). Check all medicine labels carefully,
especially cough-and-cold preparations, since many
contain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Consult
your pharmacist regarding safe use of these products. Do
not start or stop any medicine without doctor or
pharmacist approval.
Sonata Overdose
If Sonata overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may
include drowsiness; confusion; sluggishness; loss of
coordination; slow, shallow breathing; and loss of
consciousness.
Notes
Do not share Sonata with others.
Sonata Storage
Store Sonata at room
temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25
degrees C) away from light and moisture.
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