This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Sonata is a hypnotic agent. It works by depressing the central nervous system (brain), causing drowsiness to aid in falling asleep. It is used for short-term treatment of insomnia.

How to Take

The usual dose is 10 milligrams taken once daily at bedtime. Your doctor may adjust the dose to your individual need, especially if you are in a weakened condition or have a low body weight. A dose of 5 milligrams is recommended if you have liver disease or use the drug cimetidine.

Warning and Precautions

Sonata may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Sonata with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Continue to use caution the morning after taking Sonata.

Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Sonata ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

Common side effects, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, coordination problems, and memory problems occur most often within 1 hour after taking Sonata . Be sure to take Sonata right before you to go to bed or after you are already in bed. This will help to decrease these side effects.

Sonata may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Sonata . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Sonata before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

This product may contain tartrazine dye. This may cause an allergic reaction in some patients. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to tartrazine, ask your pharmacist if your product has tartrazine in it.

Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

You may experience trouble sleeping for 1 to 2 nights after you stop taking Sonata. If it continues, contact your doctor.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Symptoms of Sonata overdose may include: coma, confusion, depression, drowsiness, lethargy, loss of coordination, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, slow, shallow breathing, sluggishness.

Storage

Store Sonata between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Protect from light, moisture, and heat. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Sonata out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects: abnormal skin sensations; decreased sensitivity to touch; dizziness; drowsiness; incoordination; lightheadedness; muscle pain; short-term memory loss. Seek medical attention right away if any of side effects occur.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Sonata. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.