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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.
Sonata®
Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for,
the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug
is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug.
Uses
This medication is used for the short-term treatment of sleep problems
(insomnia).
How to Use
Take this product by mouth, immediately before bedtime or after you have
gone to bed and have difficulty sleeping, as directed by your doctor.
Do not take this medication with, or immediately after, a high-fat or
heavy meal. This medication helps you fall asleep. To minimize side effects
while you are awake (e.g., dizziness or memory trouble), take this medication
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 this medication for longer than
ten days without your doctor's approval. If your sleep problems continue,
consult with your doctor. Use this medication 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 this medication
without your doctor's approval.
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.
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 this medication. 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 this medication. 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.
Overdose
If 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 this medication with others.
Missed Dose
Not applicable.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees
C) away from light and moisture.
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