Estazolam
Generic Name: Estazolam
What is Estazolam?
Estazolam is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, or early morning awakenings.What is the most important information I should know about Estazolam?
Estazolam is potentially addictive and has a risk of abuse and dependence. Keep Estazolam in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away Estazolam may harm others, and is against the law. Tell your doctor if you have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.After taking Estazolam, you may get out of bed without being fully awake and perform an activity that you do not know you are doing (e.g., driving a car ["sleep-driving"], making and eating food, talking on the phone, having sex, or sleepwalking). The next morning you may not remember that you did anything during the night. Drinking alcohol or taking other medications that make you sleepy increases the chance of doing these activities.
Call your healthcare provider if your insomnia worsens or is not better within 7-10 days. This may mean there is another condition causing your sleep problem.
Severe allergic reactions have happened in some patients taking Estazolam. Symptoms include swelling of the tongue and throat, problems breathing, nausea, or vomiting. Get emergency medical treatment right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Do not drive or do other dangerous activities (e.g., operating machinery) after taking Estazolam until you know how it affects you.
If you have ever had seizures, do not abruptly stop taking Estazolam, even if you are taking medications to treat seizures.
You may have withdrawal symptoms for 1-2 days after you stop taking Estazolam. Symptoms include trouble sleeping, unpleasant feelings, stomach and muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and seizures.
Who should not take Estazolam?
Do not take Estazolam if you are sensitive to it or allergic to it, if you are pregnant, are taking ketoconazole or itraconazole, drink alcohol, take other medicines that can make you sleepy, or cannot get a full night's sleep.Estazolam is not approved for use in children <18 years of age.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Estazolam?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Estazolam. Also talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, drug or alcohol abuse or addiction, kidney or liver disease, lung disease or breathing problems, seizures, and if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults: The recommended starting dose of Estazolam is 1 milligram (mg) at bedtime; however, some people may need a 2-mg dose.
Elderly: The recommended starting dose of Estazolam in healthy elderly people is 1 mg at bedtime. Small or weak elderly may only need 0.5 mg at bedtime.
How should I take Estazolam?
Take Estazolam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than is prescribed for you.Take Estazolam right before you go to bed or after you have been in bed and have trouble falling asleep.
Do not take Estazolam with or right after a meal.
Do not take Estazolam unless you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again.
If you take too much Estazolam or overdose, call your doctor or poison control center right away, or get emergency treatment.
What should I avoid while taking Estazolam?
Do not drive or do other dangerous activities (e.g., operating machinery) after taking Estazolam until you know how it affects you.Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medications that can make you sleepy.
Do not take Estazolam with or right after a meal.
Do not take Estazolam if you are unable to get a full night's sleep before you must become active again.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Estazolam?
If Estazolam is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining this medication with any of the following: alcohol, antihistamines, antiseizure drugs, barbiturates such as phenobarbital, cimetidine, diltiazem, flumazenil, fluvoxamine, isoniazid, itraconazole, ketoconazole, some macrolide antibiotics, MAO inhibitors, narcotics, nefazodone, phenothiazines, and psychotropic medications.What are the possible side effects of Estazolam?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: drowsiness, dizziness, headache, fatigue, dry mouth, upset stomach
Serious side effects may include: severe allergic reactions, getting out of bed while not being fully awake and doing an activity that you do not know you are doing, memory loss, anxiety, and abnormal thoughts or behavior. If you experience any of these serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Can I receive Estazolam if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Estazolam may cause potential harm to your unborn child. Avoid taking it during your pregnancy. Since the effects of Estazolam during breastfeeding are unknown, its use should be avoided. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Estazolam?
If you miss your scheduled dose, it is best to speak to your healthcare provider for advice.How should I store Estazolam?
Store at room temperature.
I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
