Zaleplon is a medication that many people across the UK and worldwide use to help with sleep problems. It is meant to be a short-term solution, helping you fall asleep faster, but as with many medications, there is a risk of becoming addicted to Zaleplon, especially if it’s used for too long or in higher doses than prescribed. Zaleplon addiction can be incredibly harmful, affecting both your body and mind, so if you’re struggling with Zaleplon addiction or know someone who is, beginning treatment as soon as possible can make a big difference.
What is Zaleplon?
Zaleplon, also known by its brand Sonata, is a medication that helps people who have trouble falling asleep. It was introduced in the late 1990s and is part of a group of non-benzodiazepine hypnotics that, due to their names all beginning with Z, are sometimes called “Z-drugs”. Zaleplon works by calming your brain quickly, making it easier to drift off to sleep, often within 15 to 30 minutes, so it’s best used by people who struggle to fall asleep rather than those who find it difficult to stay asleep through the night.
The effects of Zaleplon don’t last long, which means it’s less likely to make you feel groggy the next day. Doctors usually prescribe Zaleplon for short-term use because it can lose its effectiveness over time, and the risk of becoming dependent increases if you use it for too long.
What is Zaleplon addiction?
Zaleplon addiction is a form of sleeping pill addiction that happens when someone starts relying on the medication not just to sleep but to feel normal or cope with daily life. Zaleplon works by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps calm the nervous system and promotes sleep. However, when you take Zaleplon regularly, your brain starts to rely on it to regulate GABA.
Once your brain has become reliant on Zaleplon, a condition known as physical dependence, when you try to stop taking the drug, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Heart palpitations
- Seizures (in severe cases)
These symptoms can lead to a cycle where you keep taking Zaleplon to avoid them, creating a pattern of repeated use.
Psychologically, Zaleplon addiction can make you feel like you can’t function without the drug. You may start to crave it during the day and find yourself obsessed with when you can take your next dose. Eventually, Zaleplon addiction will begin to interfere with your daily life, affecting your relationships, work and overall well-being, but you will still be unable to stop taking it. This loss of control in the face of obvious harm is what defines Zaleplon addiction.
Zaleplon addiction in the UK
Z-drugs like Zaleplon are considered to be less addictive than older sleep medications like benzodiazepines but Zaleplon abuse and addiction still remain issues in the UK. There isn’t currently much data available on how many people are affected. Still, one study has found that a quarter of a million people in the UK were likely taking hypnotic medication like Zaleplon far longer than prescribed.
Given the potential for Zaleplon abuse and addiction, it is therefore very important that use is more closely monitored and prescriptions more carefully regulated. This can help ensure that people who need the medication for legitimate reasons can use it safely while reducing the risk of Zaleplon addiction.
Recognising Zaleplon addiction symptoms
It is always tough to spot the signs of addiction with prescription drugs like Zaleplon, especially if you’re taking it with a prescription for real sleep problems. However, recognising Zaleplon addiction symptoms early is really important for getting the right help. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Deciding to increase how much or how often you take Zaleplon without asking your doctor
- Craving Zaleplon and constantly thinking about it when you haven’t taken any for a while
- Struggling to sleep without taking Zaleplon
- Feeling anxious or unwell when you don’t take Zaleplon
- Continuing to use Zaleplon even when it’s causing problems in your life
- Going to different doctors to get more Zaleplon prescriptions
- Doing poorly at work, school or home because of Zaleplon use
- Hiding or lying about how much Zaleplon you’re taking
Using Zaleplon for too long
If you use Zaleplon longer than your doctor prescribed, your body can quickly become tolerant to its effect. This means you will need more Zaleplon to get the same effect, leading to dependence.
The dangerous side effects of Zaleplon addiction
Zaleplon addiction can have serious side effects that impact both your physical and mental health. Understanding these risks is important so you can take steps to seek help if you notice signs of Zaleplon addiction:
Physical health effects
- Drowsiness and dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea and stomach issues
- Poor coordination and balance, causing falls or accidents
- Allergic reactions, such as rashes or difficulty breathing
- Long-term memory problems
- Persistent fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Rebound insomnia
- Respiratory issues, especially when Zaleplon is combined with other depressants
- Increased tolerance, leading to higher doses and greater risk of accidental overdose
Mental health effects
- Confusion and difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings and irritability
- Long-term depression
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks
- Emotional numbness or detachment
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviours (a particularly worrying side effect of Zaleplon, which can lead to intentional overdose)
Is there treatment available?
Across the UK, there are many treatment programmes designed to support people through every stage of Zaleplon recovery. These usually include a combination of detox, to safely remove Zaleplon from your system, sleeping pill rehab to explore why you became addicted and relapse prevention planning to help you stay on track after the first stages of treatment are complete.
How to get help for Zaleplon addiction
If you or someone you love is struggling with Zaleplon addiction, it’s important to know that help is available. Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but reaching out for support is crucial for recovery. We can help you get in touch with addiction treatment centres across the UK, which have the resources and expertise to help you overcome Zaleplon addiction and transform your life. Reach out to us today, and we will help you get started on the road to recovery.
Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.