USES Sonata is used for the short-term treatment of sleep problems (insomnia).

HOW TO USE SONATA
Take this product by mouth, immediately before bedtime or after you have gone to bed and have difficulty sleeping, as directed by your doctor. Do not take this medication with, or immediately after, a high-fat or heavy meal. This medication helps you fall asleep. To minimize side effects while you are awake (e.g., dizziness or memory trouble), take this medication when you are in bed and are able to get at least four hours of sleep before you need to be active again. Do not use this medication for longer than ten days without your doctor's approval. If your sleep problems continue, consult with your doctor. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming

SONATA SIDE EFFECTS
Headache, drowsiness, nausea or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects: dizziness, weakness, loss of coordination, muscle joint pain. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: mental/mood changes, persistent trouble sleeping, memory problems, loss of appetite, tingling of the hands or feet, rash, itching, tremors, eye/ear problems.

PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies, liver disease, lung/breathing problems, mental/mood problems (e.g., depression), alcohol use or drug dependence. Avoid alcohol, as it may aggravate certain side effects of this drug (e.g., dizziness, drowsiness). Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving). You may have trouble sleeping the first few nights after you stop using this medication. This problem usually goes away after one or two nights. If sleep problems persist, consult with your doctor. Use with caution in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: rifamycin antibiotics (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), antidepressants (e.g., imipramine, amitriptyline), ulcer medication (e.g., cimetidine). Also report any drugs causing drowsiness such as: other medicines for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medications (e.g., thioridazine), anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check all medicine labels carefully, especially cough-and-cold preparations, since many contain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Consult your pharmacist regarding safe use of these products.