Zaleplon

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

Last Reviewed: Jan 09, 2025

Uses


Zaleplon Uses

Zaleplon is used to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep). It helps with sleep induction (helps in falling asleep faster) but does not increase sleep duration or reduce the number of nighttime awakenings. Zaleplon is not for chronic insomnia. It is for short-term use only (typically 7-10 days). 

There may be other uses of zaleplon—your doctor or health system pharmacists can give you further zaleplon drug information.

Zaleplon Mechanism of Action

Zaleplon induces sleep by binding to GABA receptors in the central nervous system. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter (a natural chemical in the brain that slows brain activity).

Zaleplon Doses

Zaleplon comes as a 5 mg and 10 mg capsule to take by mouth once daily immediately before bedtime or after going to bed and experiencing trouble falling asleep. The usual dose of zaleplon is 10 mg just before bedtime. People with a low body weight, elderly patients, and those with hepatic impairment (liver disease) should take a lower dose (5 mg) of zaleplon. Rarely, some patients need to take 20 mg.