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{{headerpanel|{{DepressantOD|GABAergics | {{headerpanel|{{DepressantOD|GABAergics}}{{Approval}}}} | ||
{{SummarySheet}} | {{SummarySheet}} | ||
{{SubstanceBox/Zaleplon}} | {{SubstanceBox/Zaleplon}} | ||
'''Zaleplon''' (trade name '''Sonata''') is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug. It is of the [[psychoactive class::hypnotic]] and [[psychoactive class::depressant]] psychoactive classes and is chemically a [[chemical class::pyrazolopyrimidine]]. | '''Zaleplon''' (trade name '''Sonata''') is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug. It is of the [[psychoactive class::hypnotic]] and [[psychoactive class::depressant]] psychoactive classes and is chemically a [[chemical class::pyrazolopyrimidine]]. | ||
When taken for recreational purposes, at doses far higher then the prescribed dose, it is capable of producing powerful and bizarre atypical hallucinogenic, hypnotic, deliriant and even psychedelic effects. | When taken for recreational purposes, at doses far higher then the prescribed dose, it is capable of producing powerful and bizarre atypical hallucinogenic, hypnotic, deliriant and even psychedelic effects. Some individuals use a different delivery method than prescribed, such as [[insufflation]], to induce effects faster | ||
Zaleplon is a member of a family known as "Z-drugs." Other Z-drugs include | Zaleplon is a member of a family known as "[[Z-drugs]]." Other Z-drugs include [[zolpidem]] (Ambien) and [[zopiclone]]. These drugs were designed to be more selective in their hypnotic actions than benzodiazepines. | ||
Zaleplon is recommended to be taken on a short-term basis only. Daily or continuous use of the drug is not usually advised. | Zaleplon is recommended to be taken on a short-term basis only. Daily or continuous use of the drug is not usually advised. | ||
==History and culture== | ==History and culture== | ||
{{historyStub}} | {{historyStub}} | ||
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==Chemistry== | ==Chemistry== | ||
{{chemistry}} | {{chemistry}} | ||
Zaleplon is a [[pyrazolopyrimidine]] having a nitrile group at position 3 and a 3-(N-ethylacetamido)phenyl substituent at the 7-position. | |||
==Pharmacology== | ==Pharmacology== | ||
{{pharmacology}} | {{pharmacology}} | ||
Zaleplon is a GABA<sub> | Zaleplon has a pharmacological profile similar to [[benzodiazepines]]. Zaleplon is a full [[agonist]] for the benzodiazepine a1 [[receptor]] located on the [[GABA]]<sub>A</sub> receptor ionophore complex in the brain, with lower affinity for the a2 and a3 subtypes. It selectively enhances the action of GABA similar to but more selectively than benzodiazepines.<ref name="Zaleplon Pharmacology">Profiles of Drug Substances, Excipients and Related Methodology | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871512510350084</ref> | ||
In regards to how the consumption of this compound results in its bizarre [[hallucinations]], the pharmacological mechanics behind this are not understood and do not seem to have been directly studied. | |||
==Subjective effects== | ==Subjective effects== | ||
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|{{effects/physical| | |{{effects/physical| | ||
The physical effects of zaleplon are almost identical to that of [[ | The physical effects of zaleplon are almost identical to that of [[benzodiazepines]] such as [[alprazolam]], although with less intensive [[muscle relaxation]]. They can be broken down into several components. | ||
These are described below and generally include: | These are described below and generally include: | ||
* '''[[Effect::Sedation]]''' - The sedation present within this compound is significantly stronger than that of other [[GABA]]ergic [[depressant]]s when proportionally compared to their other effects. This is why zaleplon is commonly prescribed as a sleep aid to those who struggle with insomnia. | * '''[[Effect::Sedation]]''' - The sedation present within this compound is significantly stronger than that of other [[GABA]]ergic [[depressant]]s when proportionally compared to their other effects. This is why zaleplon is commonly prescribed as a sleep aid to those who struggle with insomnia. | ||
*'''[[Physical euphoria]]''' - This manifests itself as a warm, soft glow which emanates from the center of the user's body. | *'''[[Effect::Physical euphoria]]''' - This manifests itself as a warm, soft glow which emanates from the center of the user's body. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Dizziness]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Dizziness]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Headaches]]''' | |||
*'''[[Effect::Nausea]]''' - At moderate to heavy dosages, a slight discomfort may be felt in the stomach. This will go away once the user has vomited. | *'''[[Effect::Nausea]]''' - At moderate to heavy dosages, a slight discomfort may be felt in the stomach. This will go away once the user has vomited. | ||
* '''[[Effect::Muscle relaxation]]''' - Although muscle relaxation is definitely present, it usually only manifests itself at heavier dosages and is significantly weaker than that of benzodiazepines. | * '''[[Effect::Muscle relaxation]]''' - Although muscle relaxation is definitely present, it usually only manifests itself at heavier dosages and is significantly weaker than that of benzodiazepines. | ||
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*'''[[Effect::Increased heart rate]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Increased heart rate]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Increased blood pressure]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Increased blood pressure]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Seizure suppression]]'''<ref name="Zaleplon Pharmacology"/> | |||
*'''[[Effect::Stomach cramp]]''' | |||
}} | }} | ||
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*'''[[Effect::Visual acuity suppression|Acuity suppression]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Visual acuity suppression|Acuity suppression]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Drifting]]''' - At heavier dosages, this compound may induce the experience of scenery, walls, objects and people appearing to melt and distort in a manner which is comparable to traditional [[psychedelic]]s such as [[psilocin]] or [[LSD]]. | *'''[[Effect::Drifting]]''' - At heavier dosages, this compound may induce the experience of scenery, walls, objects and people appearing to melt and distort in a manner which is comparable to traditional [[psychedelic]]s such as [[psilocin]] or [[LSD]]. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Internal hallucinations]]''' (''[[effect::autonomous entities]]''; ''[[effect::settings, sceneries, and landscapes]]''; ''[[effect::alterations in perspective]]'' and ''[[effect::scenarios and plots]]'') - The internal hallucinations present on this compound can be described as vivid dream-like states | *'''[[Effect::Internal hallucinations]]''' (''[[effect::autonomous entities]]''; ''[[effect::settings, sceneries, and landscapes]]''; ''[[effect::alterations in perspective]]'' and ''[[effect::scenarios and plots]]'') - The internal hallucinations present on this compound can be described as vivid dream-like states. This effect typically occurs briefly and spontaneously at moderate dosages but becomes progressively extended in its occurrence and duration proportional to dosage consumed before eventually becoming all-encompassing. It can be comprehensively described through its [[Visual_effects:_Internal_hallucinations#Variations|variations]] as delirious in believability, interactive in style, equal in new experiences and memory replays in content, autonomous in controllability and solid in style. | ||
*'''[[Effect::External hallucinations]]''' (''[[effect::autonomous entities]]''; ''[[effect::settings, sceneries, and landscapes]]''; ''[[effect::alterations in perspective]]'' and ''[[effect::scenarios and plots]]'') - In comparison to other classes of [[hallucinogen]], this effect exclusively occurs at heavy dosages | *'''[[Effect::External hallucinations]]''' (''[[effect::autonomous entities]]''; ''[[effect::settings, sceneries, and landscapes]]''; ''[[effect::alterations in perspective]]'' and ''[[effect::scenarios and plots]]'') - In comparison to other classes of [[hallucinogen]], this effect exclusively occurs at heavy dosages. This effect can be comprehensively described through its [[Visual_effects:_Internal_hallucinations#Variations|variations]] as delirious in believability though not quality, autonomous in controllability and solid in style. The most common themes for these hallucinations include those of both everyday occurrences such as talking to people who are not there and impossible occurrences such as inanimate objects coming to life. Unlike with deliriants, these hallucinations are not often described as scary or unsettling. | ||
}} | }} | ||
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*'''[[Effect::Amnesia]]''' - Many users that take zaleplon often claim that upon waking up, they have little to no memory of falling asleep and cannot recall the events preceding it. | *'''[[Effect::Amnesia]]''' - Many users that take zaleplon often claim that upon waking up, they have little to no memory of falling asleep and cannot recall the events preceding it. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]''' - | *'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]''' - This effect usually only occurs at heavier dosages and is significantly weaker than that of benzodiazepines but similar in strength to [[zolpidem]] at equally sedating doses. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Compulsive redosing]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Compulsive redosing]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria]]''' | ||
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*'''[[Effect::Memory suppression|Short-term memory suppression]]''' - At heavier dosages, many users find that they cannot recall things from 10 or 30 seconds ago due to suppression of their short-term memory. This can potentially lead to confusion, repetitive behaviour and [[thought loops]]. | *'''[[Effect::Memory suppression|Short-term memory suppression]]''' - At heavier dosages, many users find that they cannot recall things from 10 or 30 seconds ago due to suppression of their short-term memory. This can potentially lead to confusion, repetitive behaviour and [[thought loops]]. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Thought disorganization]]''' - | *'''[[Effect::Thought disorganization]]''' - At lower doses this effect manifests as a disorganization and change in the quality of the mental chatter one experiences while trying to fall asleep. At higher doses this effect tends to synergise with disinhibition and delusion in a manner which results in bizarre decision-making processes or thought processes which are often out of character and make little to no sense once the user has sobered up from the experience. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Focus suppression]]''''''<ref name="Zaleplon Pharmacology"/> | |||
}} | }} | ||
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}} | }} | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Experience reports=== | |||
There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our [[experience index]]. Additional experience reports can be found here: | |||
* [https://www.erowid.org/experiences/subs/exp_Pharms_Zaleplon.shtml Erowid Experience Vaults: Zaleplon] | |||
==Toxicity and harm potential== | ==Toxicity and harm potential== | ||
{{toxicity}} | {{toxicity}} | ||
By itself, zaleplon likely has a [[Toxicity::low toxicity]] relative to dose. However, it is [[Toxicity::potentially [[respiratory depression|lethal]] when mixed with [[depressants]] like [[benzodiazepines]], [[alcohol]] or [[opioids]]]].<ref name="Zaleplon Pharmacology"/> | |||
As with other Z-drugs, zaleplon use may result in bizarre and dangerous behavior. | As with other Z-drugs, zaleplon use may result in bizarre and dangerous behavior. | ||
It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible use|harm reduction practices]] when using this substance. | It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible use|harm reduction practices]] when using this substance. | ||
===Tolerance and addiction potential=== | ===Tolerance and addiction potential=== | ||
Zaleplon | Zaleplon is [[Addiction potential::moderate physically and psychologically addictive]]. | ||
Tolerance will develop to the [[sedative]]-[[hypnotic]] effects [[Time to full tolerance::within a couple of weeks of daily use]]. However, when used therapeutically, the tolerance to the zaleplon's sleep onset shortening effects does not appear to occur. After cessation, the tolerance returns to baseline in [[Time to zero tolerance::7 - 14 days]]. Withdrawal symptoms or rebound symptoms may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing, and may necessitate a gradual dose reduction. | |||
===Dangerous interactions=== | ===Dangerous interactions=== | ||
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==Legal status== | ==Legal status== | ||
{{LegalStub}} | {{LegalStub}} | ||
*'''EU''' - Zaleplon was withdrawn within the EU.{{citation needed}} | |||
*'''Switzerland''' - Zaleplon was withdrawn in Switzerland in 2011.{{citation needed}} | |||
*'''United States''' - Zaleplon is Schedule IV under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA), meaning it is judged to have "some potential for abuse."" Possession without a prescription is illegal. | *'''United States''' - Zaleplon is Schedule IV under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA), meaning it is judged to have "some potential for abuse."" Possession without a prescription is illegal. | ||
*'''Canada''' - Zaleplon is not scheduled in Canada. However, it may be illegal to possess without a valid prescription. {{citation needed}} | *'''Canada''' - Zaleplon is not scheduled in Canada. However, it may be illegal to possess without a valid prescription. {{citation needed}} | ||
*'''Russia''': Zaleplon is available through a prescription.{{citation needed}} | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*[[Responsible use]] | *[[Responsible use]] | ||
*[[Hallucinogens]] | |||
*[[Deliriants]] | |||
*[[Hypnotic]] | |||
*[[Zolpidem]] | |||
*[[Zopiclone]] | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
*[[wikipedia:Zaleplon|Zaleplon (Wikipedia)]] | *[[wikipedia:Zaleplon|Zaleplon (Wikipedia)]] | ||
*[https://isomerdesign.com/PiHKAL/explore.php?id=9530 Zaleplon (TiHKAL / Isomer Design)] | |||
==Literature== | ==Literature== | ||
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<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Psychoactive substance]][[Category: | |||
[[Category:Substance]][[Category:Psychoactive substance]][[Category:Pyrazolopyrimidine]][[Category:GABAergic hallucinogen]][[Category:Depressant]][[Category:Hallucinogen]] | |||
[[Category:Proofread]][[Category:Approval]] | |||