Sonata (Zaleplon) for Alzheimer's

Overview
Sonata is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Sonata is also known by its drug name, Zaleplon. Sonata is sometimes prescribed to treat sleep problems in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Sonata may be considered in cases where non-drug approaches have failed to address these symptoms. Since the FDA has not approved Sonata specifically for use in people with Alzheimer’s, this usage may be considered “off-label.”

Sonata is a hypnotic, or sleeping pill, of the pyrazolopyrimidine class. Sonata is believed to work by slowing brain activity.

How do I take it?
Sonata is taken once daily at bedtime.

Sonata is available as a capsule.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Sonata lists common side effects including drowsiness, dizziness, feeling “hung over,” memory problems, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, depression, nervousness, nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, back, joint, or muscle pain, headache, and rash.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Sonata can include severe allergic reactions, hallucinations, behavior changes, and performing awake activities such as driving while in a sleep-like state.