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Precautions while Using this Medicine
If you develop any unusual and strange thoughts or behavior while taking Sonata, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. Some changes that have occurred in people taking this medicine are like those s
een in people who drink alcohol and then act in a manner that is not normal. Other changes may be more unusual and extreme, such as confusion, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, smelling, or feeling thi
ngs that are not there), and unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability.
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What is this Drug
Sonata is prescribed for people who have trouble falling asleep at bedtime. Because it has a short duration of action, it doesn't help those who suffer from frequent awakenings during the night or tho
se who wake too early in the morning. It is intended only for short-term use (7 to 10 days).
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Symptoms of overdose may include:
Confusion; clumsiness or unsteadiness, severe; dizziness or fainting; drowsiness, severe; weak muscle tone; troubled breathing; unusual dullness or feeling sluggish
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Other Medicines
Avoid alcoholic beverages when taking Sonata; the drug increases alcohol's effect. Also forgo high-fat meals immediately before taking Sonata; they tend to slow or reduce the drug's effect.
- If Sonata is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Sonata with the fol
lowing:
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Imipramine (Tofranil)
- Phenobarbital
- Rifampin (Rifadin)
- Thioridazine (M
ellaril)
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How should you take this medication?
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is taken, it may becom
e habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).
Take Sonata just before going to bed, when you are ready to go to sleep. This medicine works very quickly to put you to sleep.
Do not take this medicine when your schedule does not permit you to get at least 4 hours of sleep.If you must wake up before this, you may continue to feel drowsy and may experience memory problems
, because the effects of the medicine have not had time to wear off.
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What special precautions should I follow?
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Sonata. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially
- Alcohol abuse (or history of) or
- Drug
abuse or dependence (or history of)ˇX Dependence on Sonata may develop
- Breathing problems or
- Mental depressionˇXSonata may make the condition worse
- Liver diseaseˇX Higher blood
ls of Sonata may result, increasing the chance of side effects.
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