Sonata belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Sonata is used to treat insomnia (trouble sleeping). In general, when sleep medicines are used every night for a long time, they may lose their effectiveness. In most cases, sleep medicines should be used only for short periods of time, such as 1 or 2 days, and generally for no longer than 1 or 2 weeks.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

Special precautions

Sleep medicines may cause a special type of memory loss or "amnesia". When this occurs, a person does not remember what has happened during the several hours between use of the medicine and the time when its effects wear off. This is usually not a problem since most people fall asleep after taking the medicine. In most instances, memory problems can be avoided by taking Sonata only when you are able to get at least 4 hours of sleep before you need to be active again. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you think you are having memory problems.

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For Sonata , the following should be considered:

Allergies tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Sonata . Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy Sonata has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in pregnant animals have shown that Sonata slows down the development of the offspring when given to the mother in doses many times the human dose. Before taking this medicine, make sure you doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding Sonata passes into breast milk, but the effect on nursing babies is unknown

Children Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of Sonata in children younger than 18 years with adults.

Older adults Elderly patients are usually more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of Sonata .

Other medicines although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary.

Other medical problems the presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Sonata . Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially

• Alcohol abuse (or history of) or
• Drug abuse or dependence (or history of) Dependence on Sonata may develop
• Breathing problems or
• Mental depression Sonata may make the condition worse
• Liver disease higher blood levels of Sonata may result, increasing the chance of side effects.

Side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

•  Less common

•  Anxiety;  blurred or double vision;  not feeling like oneself 

•  Rare

• Nosebleed;  seeing, hearing, smelling, or feeling things that are not there 

•  Symptoms of overdose

• Confusion;  clumsiness or unsteadiness, severe;  dizziness or fainting;  drowsiness, severe;  weak muscle tone;  troubled breathing;  unusual dullness or feeling sluggish 

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

•  More common

•  Dizziness;  headache ;  muscle pain;  nausea 

•  Less common

• Abdominal pain;  burning, prickling, or tingling sensation;  constipation ;  cough;  difficulty concentrating;  drowsiness;  dryness of mouth;  excess muscle tone;  eye pain;  fever;  heartburn, indigestion, or acid stomach;  itching;  itching or burning eyes;  joint stiffness and/or pain ;  memory loss;  menstrual pain;  mental depression;  nervousness;  sensitive hearing;  severe headache ;  shortness of breath;  skin rash;  tightness in chest;  trembling or shaking;  troubled breathing; 

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication.