Germany is the third European country where Sonata is now available. The product is also currently under regulatory review by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Sonata can be taken immediately before going to bed, or after bedtime when experiencing difficulty falling asleep. Sonata's flexible dosing will allow for a restful night's sleep, while minimising the residual effects associated with other currently available sleep medications, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or lack of motor co-ordination. Patients who experience nocturnal awakenings may require alternative therapy.
Insomnia affects approximately one-fourth of the general population in Germany.
Sleep deprivation can cause a variety of problems, including moodiness, loss of memory, inability to concentrate, and loss of energy. Insomnia also can be associated with more serious medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety and is an important factor in automobile and industrial accidents. Sonata has been studied in more than 3,700 patients throughout Europe, the U.S. and Canada, including elderly people ranging in age from 65 to 85. Sonata was well tolerated in clinical trials. The most common side effects with Sonata are headache, weakness, drowsiness, and dizziness.