Liplon

Indications

Zaleplon is a sleeping medicine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults who have difficulty falling asleep.

How It Works

Zaleplon is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic (a so-called Z-drug). It strengthens the action of GABA, a natural calming chemical in the brain, by acting on a specific part of the GABA-A receptor. This helps you fall asleep faster. It acts quickly and wears off within a few hours, so it is less likely to cause next-morning drowsiness than longer-acting sleeping tablets.

Dosage and Administration

The usual adult dose is 10 mg taken immediately before going to bed, or after going to bed if you have difficulty falling asleep. Older people and those with mild to moderate liver problems usually take 5 mg. Do not take it unless you can stay in bed for at least 4 hours. Do not take it with or just after a heavy, fatty meal, as this delays its effect. Do not take more than one dose a night. Treatment should be as short as possible, usually no more than 2 weeks.

Interactions

• Alcohol: do not drink alcohol while taking Zaleplon.
• Opioid painkillers and cough medicines: serious risk of deep sedation, slow breathing, coma and death.
• Other sedatives, antihistamines that cause drowsiness, antidepressants, antipsychotics and anti-epileptic medicines: increased drowsiness.
• Cimetidine: raises Zaleplon levels; use a lower dose.
• Rifampicin, Carbamazepine and Phenytoin: may reduce its effect.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Zaleplon.
• Severe liver impairment.
• Sleep apnoea (breathing stops repeatedly during sleep).
• Myasthenia gravis.
• Severe breathing problems.
• Previous complex sleep behaviours, such as sleep-walking or sleep-driving, after taking a Z-drug.
• Children and adolescents under 18 years.

Side Effects

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, memory problems, tingling, and painful periods. Some people experience complex sleep behaviours such as sleep-walking, sleep-driving, cooking or eating while not fully awake, with no memory of the event. Stopping suddenly after regular use may cause rebound insomnia or withdrawal symptoms.

Get urgent medical help if you have very slow or shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, thoughts of self-harm, signs of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat, or if you find you have done something while asleep that could be dangerous.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Zaleplon is not recommended in pregnancy; use near delivery can cause floppiness and breathing problems in the newborn. It passes into breast milk in small amounts and is not recommended while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

• It can cause dependence, especially with long use or high doses, or a history of alcohol or drug misuse.
• Do not drive or use machines for at least 4 hours after taking it, or longer if you still feel drowsy.
• Tell your doctor if you have depression, liver problems, breathing problems or a history of addiction.
• Older people are at higher risk of falls.

Overdose

An overdose may cause deep sleep, confusion, poor coordination, slow breathing and coma, especially with alcohol or other sedatives. Seek emergency medical help at once.

Therapeutic Class

Hypnotic, non-benzodiazepine (Z-drug), pyrazolopyrimidine.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.