Indications
Zaleplon is used for a short time to treat people who have difficulty falling asleep. If you have other sleep problems, such as being unable to sleep at night, these medications may not be right for you. It is known as a hypnotic. It works on certain brain centers to help you relax and help you fall asleep faster.
Mechanism of action of Zaleplon
Zaleplon exerts its effect by modulating the chloride channel macromolecular complex of the GABA-BZ subunit receptor. it binds selectively to the presence of the omega-1 receptor omega-1 receptor on the GABA-A ion channel alpha subunit/complex chloride and potentiates t-butyl-bicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) binding.
Side effects:
The common side effects are:
- Drowsiness,
- Dizziness;
- Problems with memory or concentration,
- Short-term memory loss,
- Numbness or tingling,
- Difficulties of coordination (especially in the first 2 hours after taking the drug),
- Feeling of “hangover”,
- Depression,
- Anxiety
- Problems with vision,
- Nervous feeling,
- Abdominal pain,
- A headache
- Nausea,
- Loss of appetite,
- Dry mouth,
- Constipation,
- Increased menstrual cramps,
- Joint or muscle pain,
- Back pain, or
- Slight rash.
- While the serious side effects including:
- Mental / mood changes (agitation, confusion, hearing or visual that are not there, rare suicidal thoughts), or
- Unusual behavior
Zaleplon during pregnancy and lactation
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if zaleplon will harm your unborn baby.Zaleplon is excreted in human breast milk will harm. It is recommended that breastfeeding mothers do not take this drug.
Dosage:
The recommended dose is 5 to 20 mg at bedtime to help you fall asleep. Because of its short duration of action, it is ineffective for people who wake up at night. It should be taken immediately before bedtime or after bedtime. Taking Zaleplon with a high-fat meal slows down and may slow the onset of the effect.