Sonata (Zaleplon) Drug Class & Schedule

Sonata (the brand name for zaleplon) is considered a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic prescription drug. It is most often used in the short-term treatment of insomnia. It slows activity in the brain to allow sleep to occur.

While the abuse of this sleeping pill is rare compared to other drugs, it does happen. And with abuse comes a variety of serious consequences like dependence, addiction, and overdose risk.

Sonata Drug Class

Sonata belongs to the non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic drug class.

Drugs in this class work by binding to GABA receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) and increasing the amount of GABA that is released in the brain. This slows down activity in the brain and can lead to drowsiness and, ultimately, a full night’s sleep.

Sonata is also considered a CNS depressant because of the depressant effects it has on the central nervous system.

Sonata is in the same drug class as some of the most well-known sleeping pills, including Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Ambien (zolpidem).

Is Sonata A Narcotic?

As of 2022, narcotic is another name for an opioid. Because Sonata is not an opioid, it is not considered a narcotic.

Sonata Drug Schedule

Sonata is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This means that the drug has a relatively low potential for abuse but can still be habit-forming and lead to dependence and addiction, especially when it is abused.

Signs Of Sonata Abuse

While Sonata doesn’t have a high potential for abuse, that doesn’t mean abuse can’t happen.

If you suspect a loved one might be abusing Sonata, look out for these signs:

• inability to quit after multiple attempts
• neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or school.
• inability to function without the use of Sonata
• cravings for Sonata
• stealing in order to obtain Sonata
• excessive sleep or drowsiness
• taking larger doses of Sonata than prescribed.
• taking Sonata during the day or in the middle of the night
• doctor shopping, or visiting multiple doctors for a prescription
• needing to take higher doses to achieve the same effect
• engaging in hazardous behaviors while under the influence of Sonata

Increased Side Effects

Sonata also comes with side effects whether you take it as directed or abuse it. But if you do abuse it or take a higher-than-recommended dose, the adverse effects can be more intense.

Some of the most common side effects of zaleplon abuse may include:

• cognitive impairment
• nausea and vomiting
• memory loss
• next-day drowsiness
• lightheadedness
• impaired coordination
• irritability
• fatigue
• abdominal pain
• mood swings
• sleep-driving and sleepwalking

A particularly severe side effect of Sonata is an allergic reaction.

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Sonata, you may experience:

• hives
• difficult breathing
• nausea and vomiting
• swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat

Sonata Withdrawal

After a long period of Sonata abuse, withdrawal symptoms may occur when you stop use.

Sonata withdrawal symptoms can include:

• muscle weakness or shaking
• sweating
• restlessness
• rebound insomnia
• depression
• anxiety
• nausea
• vomiting

If withdrawal symptoms are severe, contact your healthcare provider to learn about tapering or switching to a different medication.

Sonata Overdose

When you abuse Sonata, you put yourself at a higher risk of a Sonata overdose. But this doesn’t happen often with only Sonata alone. An overdose usually occurs when other drugs like barbiturates or alcohol are mixed with Sonata and the drug interaction leads to an overdose.

A Sonata overdose can include the following signs and symptoms:

• severe drowsiness
• confusion
• loss of coordination
• severe muscle weakness
• weak or shallow breathing
• fainting
• coma

Find Treatment Today

If you or a loved one struggle with Sonata abuse and need help, contact us today to learn about our addiction treatment options.