Sonata Directions For Use

Sonata is used for the short-term treatment of sleep problems (insomnia).

Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies, liver disease, lung/breathing problems, mental/mood problems (e.g., depression), alcohol use or drug dependence. Avoid alcohol, as it may aggravate certain side effects of this drug (e.g., dizziness, drowsiness). Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving).

You may have trouble sleeping the first few nights after you stop using Sonata. This problem usually goes away after one or two nights. If sleep problems persist, consult with your doctor.

Use with caution in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to the effects of Sonata.

Sonata should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Sonata passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Sonata is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.

Take this product by mouth, immediately before bedtime or after you have gone to bed and have difficulty sleeping, as directed by your doctor.

Do not take Sonata with, or immediately after, a high-fat or heavy meal. Sonata helps you fall asleep.

To minimize side effects while you are awake (e.g., dizziness or memory trouble), take Sonata when you are in bed and are able to get at least four hours of sleep before you need to be active again.

Do not use Sonata for longer than ten days without your doctor's approval. If your sleep problems continue, consult with your doctor.

Use Sonata exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a longer period of time, do not stop using Sonata without your doctor's approval.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Sonata may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Do not share Sonata with others.

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of:

rifamycin antibiotics (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), antidepressants (e.g., imipramine, amitriptyline), ulcer medication (e.g., cimetidine).

Also report any drugs causing drowsiness such as:

ers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medications (e.g., thioridazine), anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine).

Check all medicine labels carefully, especially cough-and-cold preparations, since many contain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Consult your pharmacist regarding safe use of these products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness; confusion; sluggishness; loss of coordination; slow, shallow breathing; and loss of consciousness.