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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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Cautions
If you think you or someone else may have taken an overdose of this medicine, get emergency help at once. Taking an overdose of Sonata or taking alcohol or other CNS depressants with Sonata may lead t
o breathing problems and unconsciousness. Some signs of an overdose are clumsiness or unsteadiness, confusion, severe drowsiness, low blood pressure, unusual dullness or feeling sluggish, and troubled
breathing.
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Why is this drug prescribed?
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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Drug Interactions
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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Symptoms of overdose
An overdose of drugs such as Sonata can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Sonata overdose may include:
Drowsiness, mental confusion,
grogginess, lack of coordination, flaccid muscles, labored breathing, coma
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Before Taking This Medicine
Before taking Sonata,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Sonata, aspirin, tartarzine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs)
- tell your doctor if you have
or have ever had kidney or liver disease, a history of alcohol or drug abuse or depression, asthma, breathing problems, or allergies.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregna
nt, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Sonata, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Sona
ta.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Sonata will affect you.
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