What is Estazolam?
Estazolam (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) is a benzodiazepine medication prescribed for insomnia treatment.Estazolam can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Estazolam
Estazolam can cause an allergic reaction. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following: Hives, difficulty breathing, nausea, or vomitingEstazolam may slow down or even stop breathing, particularly if you've recently consumed alcohol or opioid medications. If you're having slow, paused breathing, have blue lips, or are difficult to awaken, someone caring for you may need emergency medical care.
Estazolam may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Unusual thoughts or behaviors
- Depressed mood or thoughts of suicide;
- Aggression, confusion, hallucinations,
- Worsening sleep problems.
Estazolam can cause people to forget activities such as eating, driving, walking, talking on the phone, having sex, etc. If this occurs to you, tell your doctor.Dizziness or drowsiness may persist longer for older adults. Avoid falls and accidental injuries by exercising caution.
Side effects common to estazolam include:
- Drowsiness, dizziness;
- Headache;
- Feeling tired
- Dry mouth
- Upset stomach.
If you experience any of the following symptoms after stopping estazolam: abnormal muscle movements, increased activity or talkativeness, severe and sudden changes in behavior or mood, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or suicidal feelings or thoughts, seek medical attention immediately.After abruptly stopping estazolam, some withdrawal symptoms can last for up to 12 or more months. You should tell your doctor about any persistent anxiety or depression. Also, mention any problems sleeping or with your memory, and if there is a burning, prickly, or crawling feeling under your skin.There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Report any adverse reactions by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
lorazepam, melatonin, zolpidem, diphenhydramine, ativan, and ambient
Warnings
Estazolam may slow down or even stop breathing, particularly if it has been used in conjunction with alcohol or opioid medications.Misuse of This Medicine May Lead To Addiction, Overdosage Or Even Death Store the medicine in an area where other people cannot reach it.Estazolam should not be stopped without consulting your physician. If you suddenly stop taking the medication after a long period of use, it may cause life-threatening symptoms. Some withdrawal symptoms can last for up to 12 or more monthsSeek medical attention immediately if symptoms like unusual muscle movements, increased activity or talking, severe and sudden changes in behavior or mood, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts of suicide occur after stopping estazolam.Avoid using it if pregnant.
Before you take this drug
Estazolam should be avoided if allergic or:
- If you are pregnant;
- If you also use itraconazole or ketoconazole,
May cause birth defects. Use caution if pregnant. You should not use estazolam if you are pregnant. Your baby may be born with withdrawal symptoms that can cause life-threatening conditions. They will need to receive medical care for several weeks. While using estazolam, use effective birth control. Inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant.
If you've ever:
- Breathing problems
Drug or alcohol abuse; - Suicidal ideas or acts
- Depression, or mental illness, is a term used to describe a variety of illnesses.
- Liver or kidney disease
Breastfeeding is not recommended.No one under 18 may use this product.
How to take Estazolam?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication. Estazolam should never be used in higher amounts or longer than recommended. If you are feeling the urge to take more estazolam, tell your doctor.Do not share the medicine, particularly with someone who has a drug abuse history. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Store the medication in a place where no one else can get it. This medicine cannot be sold or given away.You should only take this medication when you're getting ready to sleep for a few hours. After taking this medicine, you may find yourself falling asleep quickly.If your mood or behavior changes, call your doctor immediately if the insomnia persists after 7–10 nights of estazolam. It is possible that insomnia can be caused by depression, mental illnesses, or medical conditions. Estazolam should not be taken for more than 12 weeks, unless your doctor has advised you to do so.
Estazolam should not be stopped without consulting your physician. If you suddenly stop taking the medication after long-term usage, withdrawal symptoms could be life-threatening.Keep your medicine at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Store your medication in an area where it cannot be misused.After using estazolam for a prolonged period, your insomnia symptoms can return.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:
Take 1 or 2 mg at night.
Manage insomnia in the short term.
The usual geriatric dose for insomnia:
Take 1 mg at night.
Comments:
Dose increases must be done with caution.
In small patients or older, debilitated patients, starting at 0.5mg is recommended.
Manage insomnia in the short term.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Estazolam can be used as needed. You should not take any doses if you have a regular schedule.Do not take more than one dose at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Estazolam overdoses can be deadly if taken with alcohol, opioid medicines, or any other drug that causes drowsiness, slows breathing, or causes drowsiness.Drowsiness or confusion may be a sign of an overdose, as can slurred or weak speech or a coma.
Avoid this
Don't drink alcohol. Side effects and death can occur.Take estazolam after eating or before.
Your sleepiness may persist the next morning. Do not drive or operate machines until you have fully woken up. Alert. You may have impaired reactions.
Interaction with other drug
Estazolam can have dangerous side effects, including death, when combined with drugs that slow breathing or make you sleepy.Estazolam can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
