Sonata Information

Usage: Sonata is in a class of drugs called sedative/hypnotics or sleep medications. Sonata affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause insomnia. Sonata is used to treat insomnia. Sonata is for short-term use only--usually only a few days to two weeks. Longer-term use must be monitored closely by your doctor.

Directions: Take Sonata exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. For best results, do not take Sonata with or immediately after a high-fat or heavy meal. Take Sonata just before you go to bed, or after you have gone to bed and are having trouble falling asleep. Sonata works very quickly. It will make you drowsy, and you could fall and hurt yourself if you take your dose before you are ready for sleep. Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Do not take more than one dose in a single night. Do not take Sonata unless you are able to get 4 or more hours of sleep before you must be active again. Do not stop taking Sonata suddenly if you have been taking it for several days. Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with Sonata.

Precautions: Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Sonata will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Sonata should be taken just before bedtime but you may experience some carryover effects (drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, memory loss) the next day. Do not drink alcohol while taking Sonata. Alcohol will increase drowsiness and may increase dizziness while you are taking Sonata, which could be dangerous. Sonata may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, other sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.

Drug Interactions: Before taking Sonata, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications: rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); phenytoin (Dilantin); carbamazepine (Tegretol); phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); or cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB). You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. Sonata may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, other sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Sonata. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

If You Take Too Much: Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Sonata overdose may include sleepiness, confusion, dizziness, low blood pressure, difficult or slow breathing, unconsciousness, and death.

Storage: Store Sonata at room temperature away from moisture and heat.