Sonata (Zaleplon) Withdrawal and Detox

Sonata, which is also known as zaleplon in its generic form, is classified as a sedative-hypnotic drug. While the drug is not technically classified as a benzodiazepine, it has many of the same effects. Sonata interacts with the GABA receptors in the brain and certain neurotransmitters. When the brain is repeatedly exposed to Sonata, it becomes used to its presence. At that point, the brain adapts to the availability of Sonata and actually changes how it functions. If someone stops using Sonata suddenly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Sonata withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Muscle weakness or shaking
• Sweating
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Vomiting

In severe cases, Sonata withdrawal symptoms can include hallucinations, delirium and seizures. Rebound symptoms, which are reemerging symptoms of what the drug was originally used to treat, can also occur. For example, when someone is going through Sonata withdrawal, insomnia symptoms may be worse than they were before using the medication.

Among sedatives, there are faster and slower-acting drugs. The faster-acting drugs, which include Sonata, tend to have shorter withdrawal periods. Symptoms of Sonata withdrawal will start to appear faster and they will also end more quickly. Sonata has one of the shortest half-lives among prescription sleep aids. Sonata withdrawal symptoms often begin around four hours after the last dose of the drug.

During the first two days, the primary Sonata withdrawal symptom is usually insomnia. Other common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, irritability, nausea and mood swings. For most people during the first week or two, there are more intense withdrawal symptoms such as depression, panic attacks, vomiting and continuing insomnia. For most people, Sonata withdrawal symptoms will subside after a few weeks. However, for people who have used Sonata for a long time or in large amounts, withdrawal symptoms may last longer. Some people experience withdrawal symptoms for months after they stop using the drug. These symptoms are mostly psychological, such as continuing insomnia or depression.

For anyone who is at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it’s best to undergo a medical detox -especially if there are complicating factors like long-term Sonata addiction, underlying mental health concerns, or a polysubstance addiction issue. During a medical detox, a tapering-down schedule is often implemented. Gradually reducing Sonata dosages can help reduce or eliminate some of the most severe symptoms of Sonata withdrawal. It also provides the opportunity for a patient to be stabilized as they go through detox.

For some drugs, there are specific medications that can be used during withdrawal. This isn’t the case with prescription sleep aids like Sonata. There are no withdrawal medications, although, at a professional detox facility, patients may be given certain treatments. For example, a patient may receive psychiatric medications to mitigate some of the symptoms of Sonata withdrawal. A doctor can work with a patient to determine which medications are effective during detox. Medicines can help manage the psychological and physical symptoms while patients go through withdrawal.

Detoxing is the necessary first step in addiction treatment. When choosing a Sonata detox center, many people opt for a facility that’s part of a larger addiction treatment center. This allows for a seamless transition from detox to addiction treatment. This also provides the opportunity for staff to begin designing a treatment plan while the patient is still detoxing, and the team of the facility can get to know them on a more personal level as well.

Detox and addiction treatment are big decisions. Contact The Recovery Village now to learn more about what we have to offer and how we can help you begin your path to a successful recovery.