Zaleplon - oral

Zaleplon is a sleeping pill. It helps you sleep if you have problems sleeping (also known as insomnia).

Take Zaleplon exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Do not take this medicine for a longer period of time than instructed by your doctor. See your doctor if Zaleplon does not seem to help you.

You may take Zaleplon with or without food. Take it just before you go to bed. Try not to take this medicine with food or a heavy meal, as it may take a longer time to take effect.

If you are taking Zaleplon over a certain period of time, do not stop taking it unless instructed otherwise as stopping it suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms such as cramps, vomiting, sweating and tremors. Your doctor will reduce the dose of Zaleplon gradually before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Zaleplon is used to help you sleep. You may not need to take it everyday. Take it only when you need it.

If you miss a dose, take it at your next scheduled dose.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Inform your doctor if you have the following :

- liver disease
- respiratory disease
- history of drug abuse
- depression or history of depression

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Take Zaleplon only when you need to. Try not to make a habit of relying on this medicine to help you sleep.

Practise good sleeping habits to reduce reliance on sleeping pills. These are some good sleeping habits which you should follow:

- Try to relax before bedtime. Do not engage in strenuous activities
- Try to go to bed at about the same time every night.
- Have a light dinner. A heavy dinner may disturb your sleep.
- Avoid caffeine in the evening. Caffeine-containing food and drink include coffee, tea, certain soft drinks and even chocolate.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before bedtime.
- Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and airy.
- Avoid taking naps especially in the late afternoon.

Zaleplon may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and weakness. It may also cause abnormal sleep activities such as driving, cooking, eating and walking while you are still asleep. Inform your doctor immediately if this happens.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

- confusion
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet
- tremor (unusual movements such as shaky or trembling hands or legs)

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

- any medicines that cause drowsiness such as antihistamines e.g. diphenhydramine
- epilepsy medicines e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital
- antibiotics e.g. rifampicin
- gastric medicine e.g. cimetidine
- medicine for mood disorder e.g. imipramine

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Zaleplon.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.