Sonata

Sonata (generic name zaleplon; another brand name is Starnoc) is in the news lately because of the noteworthy study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). Sonata belongs to the class of nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic sleeping pills studied by researchers in California; they found that the use of sleeping pills such as Sonata is linked to a higher-than-normal rate of death.

Sleeping pill deaths are reported with some frequency in the news when a celebrity apparently overdoses on sleeping pills plus other drugs or alcohol, but this latest study found that using sleeping pills alone may present a significant risk of mortality — and cancer, it turns out.

Sonata Sleeping Pill Deaths

Sonata is made by King Pharmaceuticals, based in Tennessee. Unlike similar hypnotic sleep agents such as Ambien or Lunesta, Sonata is marketed as safe to use over a long-term (not just occasionally for trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep). The study in the BMJ reported that even occasional use of sleeping pills (e.g., 18 pills a year) was linked to a greater risk of death, and thus the long-term use of Sonata may present an even worse risk.

Sonata Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects of Sonata are:

• short-term memory loss
• strange skin sensations
• decreased sensitivity to touch
• muscle pain
• dizziness, lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• problems with coordination

However, there are many more possible side effects of Sonata, including:

• abnormal thinking, changes in personality, mood, or behavior
• worsening of depression
• suicidal thoughts
• hallucinations, bizarre behavior
• severe allergic reactions (e.g., swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing)

Contact a Sleeping Pill Lawyer

The news about Sonata and sleeping pill deaths is of great concern. If you have a loved one or friend who died and you suspect that Sonata may have played a role, you can discuss your concerns with a Sonata attorney at the Flood Law Group.

You will receive straightforward information and an in-depth discussion of the circumstances, in a no-cost initial consultation. Contact the Flood Law Group and we'll schedule a consultation for you.