What is Estazolam?
Estazolam is a tranquilizer drug of the triazolobenzodiazepine class, marketed under the brand name Prosom, and is a benzodiazepine fused with a triazole ring. It has anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, relaxant effects of the sedative and skeletal muscle.
Estazolam Uses
To treat a certain sleep disorder, this drug is used (insomnia). It will help you fall asleep quicker, stay asleep longer, and reduce how much you wake up at night, so that you can get a better night's rest. Estazolam belongs to a drug class known as benzodiazepines. In order to create a soothing effect, it works on the brain. The use of this drug is typically limited to brief periods of care of 1 to 2 weeks or less. Speak to the doctor if your insomnia lasts for a longer period of time to see if you need any other medication.
How to use
- Before you begin using estazolam and each time you receive a refill, read the Drug Guide issued by your pharmacist.
- Take this medicine by mouth, as prescribed by your doctor, with or without food, usually just before you get to bed. The dosage will be based on your medical condition, age, and treatment response.
- Although uncommon, transient short-term memory loss can rarely be caused by this drug. Do not take a dose of this medication to minimize the risk of this unless you have time for a good night's sleep of at least 7 to 8 hours. You can have some memory loss if you have to wake up before that.
- You may have withdrawal symptoms if you unexpectedly quit using this drug (such as nausea, vomiting, flushing, stomach cramps, nervousness, shakiness). Your doctor can lower your dose slowly in order to help prevent withdrawal. When you have used estazolam for a long time or in high doses, withdrawal is more likely. If you experience withdrawal, inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
- It does not work as well when this drug is used for a long time. If this drug stops functioning well, talk with your doctor.
- While it has benefited many people, addiction can also be induced by this drug. If you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs or alcohol), this risk could be bigger. To lower the risk of addiction, take this drug exactly as prescribed. For more info, ask your doctor.
- If the condition continues after 7 to 10 days, or if it worsens, tell your doctor. After you quit taking this drug, you might have trouble sleeping for the first few nights. This is called rebound sleeplessness and is natural. .Typically, it will go away after 1 or 2 nights
Estazolam Side effects
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Weakness
- Lethargic
- Neuromuscular and skeletal weakness
- Dizziness
- Slowed motor function
- Abnormal coordination
- Hangover
- Abnormal thinking
- Flushing
- Palpitations
- Euphoria
- Hostility
- Seizure
- Sleep disorder
- Rash
- Hives
- Angioedema
- Sleep-driving (sleep-cooking, sleep eating, etc.)
- Muscle pain or spasm
- Fever
- Neck pain
- Drug dependence
Precautions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist whether you are allergic to estazolam or to other benzodiazepines (such as diazepam, lorazepam) or if you have any other reactions before taking estazolam. There may be inactive ingredients in this substance that may cause allergic reactions or other problems. For more guidance, talk to your pharmacist.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history before taking this medicine, particularly: kidney disease, liver disease, lung/breathing problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, sleep apnea), mental/mood problems (such as depression, suicidal thoughts), personal or family history of substance use disorders (such as drug overdose or addiction).
Because this drug makes you drowsy, before you can do it safely, do not drive, use machinery, or do something that involves alertness. You might become more drowsy and dizzy with alcohol or marijuana (cannabis). Stop alcoholic drinks. If you use marijuana, talk to your doctor (cannabis).
Inform your doctor or dentist of all the medications you need before having surgery (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more susceptible, particularly dizziness, confusion, unsteadiness, and extreme drowsiness, to the side effects of this medication. The risk of falling may be raised by these side effects.
During pregnancy, Estazolam must not be used. An unborn baby could be affected. Use a reliable method of birth control when taking this medication if you are a woman of childbearing age. Do not take this drug if you are considering a pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you are planning to get pregnant or think that you might be pregnant.
This drug can pass into breast milk and have adverse effects on a child who is nursing. Before breast-feeding, consult the doctor.
Dosing Information for Estazolam
Normal Adult Insomnia Dose:Orally 1 to 2 mg at bedtime
Use: Short-term insomnia management
The Normal Geriatric Dosage for Sleeplessness:
1 mg at bedtime orally
Observations:
-Increases in doses should be initiated with caution
A starting dose of 0.5 mg should be considered for small or weakened elderly patients
Estazolam Vs Alprazolam
Estazolam |
Alprazolam |
|---|---|
| Brand name Prosom | Brand name Xanax |
| Class triazolobenzodiazepine | Class triazolobenzodiazepine |
| Dosage Forms: oral tablet (1 mg; 2 mg) | Dosage available 0.25 mg or 1 mg |
| To treat a certain sleep disorder, this drug is used (insomnia). | It is used for short-term management of anxiety disorders, specifically panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder |
| It works by slowing the activity in the brain to allow sleep. | It works by decreasing the unusual excitement of the brain. |
