Sonata (Zaleplon) Addiction: Side Effects, Detox, Withdrawal, and Treatment

What Is Sonata (Zaleplon)?

Sonata, a brand name for the generic drug Zaleplon, is classified as a sedative-hypnotic that is used to treat insomnia. It works well as a short-term sleep aid for people who have trouble falling asleep. However, the drug has a very short half-life so it’s not ideal for those who typically wake in the middle of the night. Sonata is one of the fastest-acting sleep aid medications available.

Sonata is only legally available in the U.S. with a prescription. It works by affecting certain parts of the brain that make the user very relaxed and sleepy. It comes in capsule form, but people who abuse Sonata may break open the capsules and snort the powder.

Sonata is a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means it has the potential for abuse. Although Sonata is not a particularly popular drug of abuse, people with anxiety disorders or insomnia may be more likely to abuse the drug, as they are the ones who take it the most.

Sonata vs. Ambien: What’s the Difference?

Sonata and Ambien are both sedatives that doctors prescribe to treat insomnia. Both of these drugs are federally regulated as Schedule IV controlled substances, meaning they have a relatively low potential for misuse when compared to other addictive substances. Generally, sleep medications like Ambien and Lunesta are considered to be more habit-forming than Sonata. On the other hand, Sonata is more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using it after two or more weeks of consistent use.

Sonata also works more quickly than Ambien, although it leaves your body much quicker too. This means it may not keep you asleep all the way through the night. Ambien, however, can work for up to three times as long as Sonata. So if you tend to wake often during the night, Ambien might be a better option for you. Speak with your doctor to determine which medication is best for you.

Slang for Sonata

The following terms are street names or slang for Sonata:

• Downers
• Tranks
• Sleepeasy

Sonata addiction does not have to define you.
Call Nova Recovery Center today (512) 605-2955 to learn more about medical detox, 90-day rehab, and sober living programs for sustained sobriety.

Is Sonata Addictive?

Sonata addiction is rare but still possible. It is meant to be taken on a short-term basis and long-term use of the drug can cause addiction. If a person uses Sonata heavily for several weeks, he or she may experience withdrawal symptoms when he or she stops taking it.

In 2011, Americans filled 60 million prescriptions for sleeping pills and according to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 18.7 million people (or 6.9 percent of the population) misused prescription drugs like Sonata. Although Sonata is marketed to be a safe sleep aid medication (and it is when used as prescribed), it also carries many risks and harmful side effects, including tolerance, dependence, and addiction.

What Are the Side Effects of Sonata Abuse?

Sonata, like other sleep aid drugs such as Triazolam, Pentobarbital, and Lunesta, are often abused with other drugs simultaneously. This can complicate the side effects of abuse and lead to unpredictable physical and psychological effects.

Short-term effects of Sonata abuse may include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Hallucinations
• Numbness and tingling
• Amnesia
• Aggression
• Lack of coordination
• Fatigue
• Aggression

Long-term effects of Sonata abuse may include:

• Tolerance
• Physical dependence
• Addiction

The primary side effects of Sonata abuse are dependence and addiction. In many cases of polysubstance abuse involving Sonata, addiction is very likely as well.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Sonata Addiction?

Certain populations of people may have a higher risk of developing Sonata addiction. This may include people with previous substance abuse problems, people who abuse drugs and alcohol, and people with mental health problems.

Common signs and symptoms of Sonata addiction include:

• Using Sonata in ways other than prescribed (such as breaking open the capsules and snorting them)
• Getting Sonata prescriptions from several different doctors (doctor shopping)
• Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms when Sonata usage is stopped
• Experiencing severe insomnia without the use of Sonata
• Needing more Sonata to achieve the same results

The risk of Sonata addiction is higher if the drug is being abused with other addictive substances or taken on a long-term basis.

Sonata Withdrawal Symptoms and Detox

If a person becomes dependent on Sonata, he or she will experience withdrawal symptoms when the use of the drug is suddenly stopped. These symptoms can be both physical and psychological and frequently include:

• Rebound insomnia
• Depression
• Muscle weakness
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors
• Delirium
• Seizures

Sonata withdrawal may be very dangerous if it is attempted without medical supervision. The psychological effects are especially dangerous, as a person may not have a clear head or be able to make sound decisions.

Medical detox for Sonata addiction can provide a safe and monitored environment in which to stop misusing Sonata and get sober. Professional medical and clinical staff can also provide medication-assisted treatment to help clients cope with the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal. Overall, medical detox is the safest and most comfortable way to detox from any drug, not just Sonata.

Sonata Withdrawal Timeline

Sonata withdrawal symptoms will vary greatly in type and intensity based on the individual and his or her circumstances. This timeline is an example of what you may experience during Sonata withdrawal.

4 hours after the last dose:	The beginning stages of Sonata withdrawal typically begin about four hours after the last dose. This may include insomnia, shakiness, and sweating.
24-48 hours after the last dose:	The primary Sonata withdrawal symptoms during the first two days are typically insomnia, irritability, mood swings, and nausea.
1-2 weeks after the last dose:	Many people continue to have insomnia during the first few weeks of Sonata detox, although other symptoms may become more intense and lead to depression, anxiety, vomiting, and panic attacks.
2-3 weeks after the last dose:	Sonata withdrawal symptoms typically subside after a few weeks. However, some people who have abused Sonata for a long period of time may continue to experience withdrawal symptoms (mostly psychological, like depression) for several months following Sonata detox.

Long-Term Rehab for Sonata Addiction

Although most people who are addicted to Sonata are also abusing other drugs as well, long-term addiction treatment can help addicted individuals overcome those harmful behaviors and establish a stable and sober lifestyle for themselves.

After Sonata detox is complete, a client may continue their treatment with inpatient or outpatient rehab. Many programs offer 30 days of treatment, but research shows the best outcomes come with treatment that lasts at least 90 days.

Although the primary goals of Sonata treatment programs are to help clients overcome their addiction and return to society as well-functioning, sober individuals, there are a few differences between inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab.

• During an inpatient Sonata rehab program, clients live onsite at the rehab center for the duration of their treatment. They abide by a structured daily schedule that typically consists of individual and group counseling, behavioral therapy, chemical dependency education, relapse prevention, and 12-step group work. Inpatient drug rehab programs are very immersive and are great for chronic relapsers or people who are suffering from severe addiction.
• In outpatient Sonata rehab, clients have the flexibility to live at home while they attend rehab. Group sessions meet at a nearby clinical location and are facilitated by a licensed counselor. Clients participate in bi-weekly sessions that cover various topics from chemical dependency, relapse prevention, the principles of the 12-Step Program, and more.

The cost of drug rehab varies greatly, depending on the type of program, the location of the facility, and the amenities that are offered. Clients may choose to pay for Sonata treatment with one or more of the following options:

• Health insurance benefits
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
• Financed loans
• Out-of-pocket payments

The type of drug rehab that is best for a person will depend on their individual needs, drug use history, and financial situation.

Ongoing Options for Sonata Treatment

The best way to prevent relapse is to continue Sonata treatment with a continuing care program that offers sobriety support. Sober living programs and Aftercare are both great options for people in recovery who are seeking additional support after Sonata rehab.

Sober Living Programs

Sober living programs provide a sober environment in which people in addiction recovery can continue their sobriety after rehab. In some cases, a person may not have a sober home to return to, so enrolling in a transitional living program can provide the support they need to maintain their sobriety and reduce the risk of relapse.

Throughout a person’s sober living program, he or she will receive recovery support services such as:

• Regular drug testing
• Employment and education assistance
• Personal monitoring
• A three-phase recovery program

The phased recovery program is designed to help sober living clients set and achieve recovery goals, maintain accountability with a sober coach, and develop essential life skills and relapse prevention techniques for lasting sobriety.

The cost of a sober living program will vary based on the type of home(s), the location, and the recovery support services offered.

Aftercare Programs

Aftercare is ideal for clients who have already completed rehab and are ready to live sober on their own but would like some additional support. Aftercare clients meet once each week in a clinical group setting, where they share their challenges, successes, problems, and goals related to sobriety.

Many people in addiction recovery use Aftercare meetings as sobriety check-ins, to stay accountable to their peers, discuss sobriety issues, and provide or receive advice and wisdom from other sober individuals.

Recovery from Sonata addiction is possible. Just call Nova Recovery Center today to learn more about our long-term Sonata treatment programs for men and women who are struggling with addiction.

References:

1. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/topics/data_outcomes_quality/nsduh-ppt-09-2017.pdf
2. https://www.rxlist.com/sonata-side-effects-drug-center.htm
3. https://addictionresource.com/drugs/sonata/
4. https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM349707.pdf
5. http://insomnia.emedtv.com/sonata/sonata-withdrawal.html

Nova Recovery Center offers a large range of substance abuse treatment services: detox, residential, outpatient and sober living.

Search

Search

Treatment Options

• Detox
• 90-Day Residential
• Intensive Outpatient
• Sober Living
• Aftercare

Treatment Locations

• Austin, TX
• Houston, TX
• Wimberley, TX
• Colorado Springs, CO