Sonata, available in 5mg and 10mg capsules, is a sleeping medication from a class of drugs known as nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics.  Insomnia is usually due to hyperarousal.  Sonata works by enhancing the brain’s natural tranquilizer called GABA.

GETTING STARTED

Take one 10mg capsule after going to bed if unable to sleep using good sleep habits.

Note: Take 1-2 hours after eating, or 3 hours after eating a fatty meal.

20mg may be needed initially if:

• Switching from another hypnotic
• Under very high stress
• High tolerance to medications

Most patients can decrease to 10mg after 4-7 days.

SONATA MAY NOT BE NEEDED EVERY NIGHT

• There is no “rebound insomnia”
• It can be taken up to 4 hours before rising

Note: A common complaint is that some people wake up after 4 hours. If this occurs, the dose can be repeated. This is usually due to hyperarousal and after a few good due nights of sleep, repeat dosing is not needed.