APA Dictionary of Psychology

n. a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic used for short-term treatment of insomnia. It has a rapid onset but short duration of action. Side effects are less frequent compared with other classes of hypnotics but commonly include headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea, and amnesia. Although chemically unrelated to the benzodiazepines, zaleplon acts at the same GABAA receptor and carries a similar potential for abuse. U.S. trade name: Sonata.