Zaleplon

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jan 10, 2025

Side Effects


Zaleplon Side Effects

Common side effects of zaleplon are listed below. Call your doctor if these adverse effects are severe or persist after a few days.

  • Drowsiness
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Poor coordination
  • Headache
  • Burning, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
  • Vision changes (blurry vision, double vision)
  • Eye pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Noise sensitivity
  • Changes in smell
  • Pain during menstrual periods 

Some of the adverse effects of zaleplon are more serious. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention if you develop the following severe symptoms:

  • An unusual or allergic reaction (skin rash, hives, itching)
  • Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Hoarseness
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

The above list may not include all the adverse reactions reported with zaleplon use. Contact your healthcare provider if the adverse reactions are unusual or severe or if they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual or severe adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Zaleplon Overdose: In case of an overdose of zaleplon, call your doctor immediately. You can also call your local poison control center or the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if someone has collapsed, stopped breathing, had a seizure, or is unresponsive. Overdose symptoms of zaleplon may include extreme sleepiness, confusion, loss of muscle tone, lack of coordination, respiratory depression (slowed or shallow breathing), or loss of consciousness (coma).

Source: FDA