Danny Smith

Written by:

Danny Smith

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Last Updated:

January 6th, 2025

Zaleplon Addiction | Signs, Symptoms & Effects

For those plagued by sleepless nights, Zaleplon can offer real hope. However, the dream of relief from insomnia can quickly become a nightmare if addiction sets in. Zaleplon addiction can take hold subtly but can spiral into a dangerous and destructive illness. Understanding the risks and recognising the signs of Zaleplon addiction is crucial for anyone using this medication. This page will explain how Zaleplon addiction develops and the damage it can cause.

Zaleplon

What is Zaleplon?

Zaleplon, also called by its brand name Sonata, is a prescription medication used to treat insomnia. It belongs to a class of drugs known as Z-drugs, which were developed to provide the benefits of older sleep medicines like benzodiazepines but with fewer side effects and a lower risk of dependence.

Zaleplon helps you fall asleep by affecting certain brain chemicals like GABA that control sleep. It makes these chemicals work better, which helps you relax and fall asleep more easily.

Despite being developed to reduce risks, Zaleplon and other Z-drugs are not without their issues. They can still lead to dependence, especially if used for long periods, and some people may also experience other Zaleplon side effects such as:

  • Sleep-related behaviours like sleepwalking
  • Dizziness
  • Daytime drowsiness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Difficulty with coordination
  • Short-term memory problems
  • Sleeping pills addiction

These problems mean that Zaleplon is classified as a Class C drug in the UK. It requires a prescription from a doctor, and its distribution is monitored to prevent misuse and ensure it is used safely. Heavy penalties for illegal possession or use include big fines and lengthy prison sentences.

What is Zaleplon addiction?

Zaleplon addiction can develop when what started as a solution for insomnia becomes a necessity for daily functioning. Imagine you’ve been prescribed Zaleplon because you’ve been struggling to sleep due to stress or anxiety. It works wonders initially, helping you drift off quickly and wake up refreshed.

Over time, however, you might notice that the same dose isn’t as effective, so you start taking more to achieve the same restful sleep. This increase in dosage can lead to dependence, where you find it hard to sleep without Zaleplon. Missing a dose might make you feel restless, anxious and wide awake, leading you to take even more to avoid these feelings.

As your dependency grows, so does your need to keep a steady supply. You might find yourself going to multiple doctors for extra prescriptions or searching for ways to buy Zaleplon illegally. Your thoughts and actions centre around making sure you have enough of the medication to get through the night and the rest of the day. Zaleplon addiction will then begin to take a major toll on your life, affecting everything from your relationships to your career and education..

Signs of Zaleplon addiction

Understanding the signs of Zaleplon addiction can help you recognise when it’s time to seek help. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

  • Are you finding that one pill isn’t enough anymore, and you need to take more than your doctor advised to fall asleep?
  • Do you notice your prescription running out faster than it should, leading you to get more from different doctors or other sources?
  • Have you started missing out on social events, family time or hobbies because you’re too focused on getting or using Zaleplon?
  • Do you wake up feeling tired and groggy, even after what should have been a full night’s sleep?
  • Do you feel a powerful need to take Zaleplon when you can’t sleep, to the point where it’s always on your mind?
  • Do you need help remembering things or experiencing frequent forgetfulness?
  • Are you using much money to get extra Zaleplon because your regular supply isn’t enough?
  • Do you feel restless, anxious or unable to sleep if you don’t take Zaleplon?

Sleepless woman

If any of these signs sound familiar, talking to a professional addiction treatment service is really important.

Why is Zaleplon addictive?

Aside from its pleasant sedative effects and potential to create physical dependency, Zaleplon is particularly addictive to people with certain underlying risk factors. Doctors must discuss personal history with their patients before prescribing Zaleplon so these risk factors can be identified early:

Misuse of medication

If you take more Zaleplon than your doctor told you to or use it more often or for longer than you’re supposed to, you can get addicted quickly.

Family history

If you have family members who have struggled with addiction, you might be genetically more likely to get addicted to Zaleplon because addiction can run in families.

Stress, trauma or mental health issues

If you’re dealing with a lot of stress or are suffering from depression, anxiety or trauma, you might turn to Zaleplon to help you relax or cope with symptoms. This can make you more likely to get addicted as you become dependent on it emotionally or psychologically.

Previous substance abuse

If you have used drugs or alcohol before, you might be more likely to get addicted to Zaleplon because your brain and body are already hardwired a certain way.

Lack of support

Without friends or family to help you through tough times, you might use Zaleplon to cope with your problems, which can lead to addiction.

The adverse effects of Zaleplon abuse and addiction

Zaleplon abuse and addiction can quickly take over your life with serious consequences. Here are some of the adverse effects you need to understand:

  • Zaleplon overdose risks: Taking too much Zaleplon can slow down your breathing and heart rate, which can be dangerous and can even be fatal.
  • Worsening sleep: Over time, Aaleplon abuse can make your sleep problems worse, even if that is why it was initially prescribed to you.
  • Increased anxiety and depression: Instead of helping, using Zaleplon for a long time can also make you feel more anxious and depressed.
  • Mood swings: When you depend on Zaleplon, you might feel okay one minute and really down or irritable the next, especially if you haven’t taken Zaleplon for a while.
  • Damaged relationships: Zaleplon addiction can make you pull away from friends and family as you end up arguing more and losing their trust due to drug use.
  • Serious financial issues: Addiction is expensive, and supporting a Zaleplon habit can leave you with serious money problems, debt and resulting consequences.

Woman feeling tense

  • Ignoring responsibilities: School, work and home duties can quickly be cast aside as you focus on getting and using Zaleplon. This can lead to failing grades, losing your job and missing important opportunities.
  • Dangerous choices: Zaleplon addiction can make you do risky things like driving while under its effects of Zaleplon or committing crimes to get more of the drug. Due to UK laws and regulations, these actions can lead to many legal problems, including prison time.

The path to Zaleplon addiction recovery

Zaleplon addiction treatment involves several important steps. First comes detox, which is designed to manage withdrawal symptoms in a safe, controlled environment safely. Once physical dependence has been broken, sleeping pills rehab will help you make sense of why you became addicted to Zaleplon in the first place and teach you to live without it. After rehab is complete, you will need help with transitioning back to your everyday life with relapse prevention strategies developed during treatment and aftercare services, which keep you on track.

Get help for Zaleplon addiction today

At Linwood House, we have helped many people overcome addictions to a wide range of drugs, including Zaleplon. If you are struggling or you have a loved one who needs help, reach out to us today. Our admissions team can talk you through the treatment process and answer any questions you have. The best time to start is always right now.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get addicted to Zaleplon?
It can take just a few weeks of regular use to get addicted to Zaleplon, especially if you take more than your doctor prescribed. Everyone is different, so some people might get addicted faster than others. It is important to use Zaleplon exactly as your doctor tells you and to be aware of any signs that you might be getting addicted.
Is zaleplon the same as Xanax?
No, zaleplon is not the same as Xanax. Zaleplon is a non-benzodiazepine sleep medication, while Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
What brand name is zaleplon sold under?
Zaleplon is sold under the brand name Sonata.

(Click here to see works cited)

  • NCBI. “Zaleplon – StatPearls.” NCBI, 21 June 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551571/. Accessed 22 April 2024.
  • Schifano, Fabrizio et al. “An Insight into Z-Drug Abuse and Dependence: An Examination of Reports to the European Medicines Agency Database of Suspected Adverse Drug Reactions.” The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology vol. 22,4 (2019): 270-277. doi:10.1093/ijnp/pyz007
    UK-Rehab. “Sleeping Pills Addiction Information | UK Rehab.” UK-Rehab, https://www.uk-rehab.com/sleeping-pills-addiction/. Accessed 22 April 2024.