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Precautions while Using this Medicine
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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Proper Use of This Medicine
Sonata comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day at bedtime or after going to bed if you cannot fall asleep. This medication is usually taken for 7-10 days. Follow the direct
ions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Sonata exactly as directed. Do not take Sonata unless you will be able to s
leep for at least 4 hours after taking the dose.
Sonata can be habit-forming; do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer period than your doctor tells you to. Do n
ot stop taking Sonata without talking to your doctor.
Sonata can lose its effectiveness if used for long periods of time.
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Other medical problems
Children¡XStudies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of Sonata in children younger than 18 years with adults.
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What Is It
Sonata belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Sonata is used to treat insomnia (trouble sleeping). In general
, when sleep medicines are used every night for a long time, they may lose their effectiveness. In most cases, sleep medicines should be used only for short periods of time, such as 1 or 2 days, and g
enerally for no longer than 1 or 2 weeks.
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Overdose
Confusion; clumsiness or unsteadiness, severe; dizziness or fainting; drowsiness, severe; weak muscle tone; troubled breathing; unusual dullness or feeling sluggish
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Before Taking This Medicine
Ingorml your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially
- Liver disease¡X Higher blood levels of Sonata may result, increasing the chance of side effects.
- Alcohol abuse (or
istory of) or
- Drug abuse or dependence (or history of)¡X Dependence on Sonata may develop
- Breathing problems or
- Mental depression¡XSonata may make the condition worse
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