Zaleplon (Sonata) Addiction, Abuse, And Treatment

What Is Zaleplon (Sonata)?

Zaleplon, sold under the brand name Sonata, is a fast-acting hypnotic sleep medication prescribed to treat insomnia. It is one of the many popular prescription “Z-drugs,” which also include Lunesta and Ambien.

Sonata specifically targets and enhances gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes calmness and relaxation in the central nervous system.

Because of its effects on GABA, Sonata induces relaxation and sleepiness and is therefore used to help people with insomnia fall asleep.

Z drugs, such as Sonata, are non-benzodiazepines, which means they have a shorter onset of action and shorter half-life compared to benzos. This means that Sonata can help a person fall asleep faster without the residual daytime drowsiness upon awakening, also known as the “hangover effect” associated with benzodiazepines.

How Is Zaleplon (Sonata) Abused?

Zaleplon is a Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning that it has a current acceptable medical use with low potential for abuse.

Z-drugs like Zaleplon have less abuse potential and withdrawal side effects compared to benzodiazepines. However, Z-drugs still have potential for abuse, even if it is low.

One reason Sonata can be misused and abused is its short onset of action. Because Sonata is fast-acting, people may take a higher dose to enhance its sedative effects. People may want to fall asleep faster, especially if they are struggling with depression or anxiety, so they increase their dosage of Sonata. Because Sonata has a rapid onset of action, an increased dosage can create feelings of euphoria, and as a result, people may take a higher dose to obtain this “high”.

They may also crush and snort this medicine in an attempt to feel euphoria or mix it with other medications, drugs, or alcohol. Some people abuse Zaleplon by taking it and then forcing themselves to stay awake to feel euphoria and experience hallucinations. Some people may experience hallucinations if they take Sonata and stay awake for long periods of time.

Overdose, whether intentional or unintentional, can occur with Sonata use. Attempted suicides are the most common emergency room admissions associated with Sonata use.

What Are The Effects Of Sonata?

Although ​​Sonata is not as potent as some of its z-drug counterparts, it can still be dangerous when misused. Those abusing Sonata may experience a mild, euphoric rush punctuated with episodes of hallucinations and ‘blackouts,’ or intermittent memory loss.

Forcing oneself to stay awake after taking Sonata to feel a euphoric rush can drastically increase the risk of parasomnias. Parasomnias can happen even when Sonata is taken as prescribed, but the risk increases when Sonata is abused. Parasomnias are unnerving behaviors such as sleepwalking, sleep-eating, sleep-driving, and even having sex while asleep, all without recollection of having performed them.

Side effects from Sonata can occur even when this medication is taken as prescribed; the risk and intensity of these effects increase when Sonata is abused. Common side effects of Sonata include:

• Dizziness
• Daytime drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Amnesia
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Reduced alertness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Prolonged reaction time

Is Zaleplon (Sonata) Addictive?

Sonata can be addictive, especially when misused or abused. Although it is not as addictive as other Z-drugs, if someone uses Sonata exactly as prescribed but for a longer period of time, such as two weeks or longer, they are also at risk of addiction.

Over time, the person may notice they need a higher Sonata dosage to achieve the desired effects (falling asleep), and as a result, they may ask their doctor to increase it. This is known as tolerance. When someone develops a tolerance, they are also increasing their risk of dependence and eventually addiction.

To minimize the risk of Sonata addiction, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed for insomnia and for a short period of time (a few days up to 2 weeks maximum).

Signs of Sonata addiction include:

• Making up excuses to take Sonata
• Doctor shopping
• Inability to quit after multiple attempts
• Neglecting major responsibilities
• Inability to function without Sonata
• Taking Sonata during the day
• Having cravings or urges to use Sonata
• Stealing to obtain Sonata
• Excessive sleep or drowsiness
• Taking Sonata in larger doses than prescribed
• Using Sonata in methods other than prescribed
• Increased tolerance
• Withdrawal symptoms upon a decrease in dosage
• Engaging in unsafe behaviors while using Sonata
• Concerns from family and friends about using Sonata
• Isolation from family and friends

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Zaleplon (Sonata) Withdrawal And Detox

If someone misuses Sonata, they are at risk of dependence. Dependence occurs when the brain becomes so accustomed to Sonata that it alters how the neurotransmitter GABA responds to it. Over time, the brain becomes so accustomed to Zaleplon’s presence in the person’s system that it begins to rely on it to function normally. In other words, it becomes dependent on it.

When Sonata is suddenly stopped or the dosage is drastically reduced, the person is at risk of experiencing withdrawals. Sonata withdrawals can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, and as a result, people may continue to abuse Sonata as a way to avoid withdrawals. Zaleplon withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Sweating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Irritable mood
• Seizures
• Depression
• Suicidal ideations and behaviors
• Muscle weakness
• Shaking

Rebound Insomnia

Rebound insomnia is the return of intense and often worsened sleeplessness after stopping Sonata. This insomnia can be worse than before the person started taking Sonata to help treat their insomnia. It usually lasts only a few nights and is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, increased nighttime awakenings, and reduced total nighttime sleep.

Treatment For Zaleplon (Sonata) Dependency

Treatment for Sonata dependency usually involves a drug taper. A detox from Sonata is often required, which may involve a tapering of the medication, meaning that the dosage of Sonata is slowly decreased over time to prevent uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Can I Go To Rehab For Sonata Addiction?

Yes, you can go to rehab for Sonata addiction, as treatment aims to uncover the underlying triggers that lead to the addiction and provide strategies to overcome future triggers and cravings.

Treatment for sleeping pill addiction is usually provided in residential and outpatient models, and the level of care depends on several factors. These include:

• The amount of support at home
• The type and manner of drug abused
• The presence of any underlying medical or mental health concerns
• The severity of the drug dependence

Before admission to any rehab program, a substance abuse assessment must be completed by an addiction professional to determine if the program is appropriate for the potential patient.

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How To Sleep Better Without Medication

Establishing a strict sleep schedule is important to help treat insomnia and obtain adequate sleep without using medications. A strict sleep routine involves:

• Going to bed and waking up at the same time each night and morning
• Avoiding daytime naps
• Avoiding caffeine in the afternoon
• Creating a quiet, cool, comfortable, and dark bedroom environment
• Avoiding screens, exercise, and eating at least one hour before bedtime
• Doing something relaxing, like taking a warm bath, meditating, or reading before bed
• Only using your bedroom for sleep.

Addiction to prescription sleeping pills, like Sonata, affects millions of Americans, but recovery is possible. Community support groups and inpatient and outpatient treatment programs can equip individuals with the resources needed to overcome this struggle.

To explore your treatment options, visit our rehab directory or contact a treatment provider today.