The medications listed on this website are provided for informational purposes only. Their inclusion does not guarantee that they will be prescribed to any individual, as treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of healthcare providers. This list is not exhaustive, and healthcare providers may prescribe other medications, including non-stimulant options, based on the patient's unique health circumstances and needs.
Estazolam is a short-term medication for insomnia. The drug belongs to the class of benzodiazepines, which work by increasing the activity of inhibitory neurotransmitter (GABA) levels in the central nervous system. Therefore, estazolam calms your brain so you can sleep.
Estazolam is the drug’s generic name. Prosom was the drug’s common brand name, but it’s no longer available.
If you are currently taking estazolam or plan to take it, it can be helpful to learn more about how this medication affects you and how to use it. Read on to discover the dosages, side effects, and precautions and know how long it takes for estazolam to work.
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Uses of Estazolam
Generally, physicians prescribe estazolam for sleep. Estazolam helps the patient sleep quickly, for longer hours, preventing interrupted sleep. Therefore, the patient enjoys a good night’s rest.
The physician prescribes a dosage for a short period, usually two weeks. Estazolam is available as 1 mg and 2 mg tablets. However, the dosage varies from one patient to another. Therefore, adhere to your physician’s prescription. Besides, don’t use estazolam without a prescription, and do not share the tablets with others.
How Long Does Estazolam Take to Work
You should ingest the tablet before bedtime since the drug has a medium onset of action. Once consumed, you feel the drug’s effects in a few minutes, and the peak effects are achieved in about 1-2 hours. As a result, you feel drowsy and fall asleep quickly after taking the pill. You should notice an improvement in your sleep within 7 to 10 days of treatment.
If insomnia persists despite taking estazolam or you notice adverse effects after you begin your prescription, notify your doctor.
Side Effects of Estazolam
You may notice the following side effects when you begin taking estazolam tablets:
- Dizziness.
- Grogginess.
- Decreased motor function.
- Increased sleepiness or drowsiness.
- Hallucinations.
- Sleep-walking, sleep-eating, sleep-driving.
- Body weakness and pain.
- Dry mouth.
- Flushing.
- Euphoria.
- Palpitations.
- Addiction.
- Shallow breathing.
- Suicidal thoughts.
If you notice these estazolam side effects or any other change in your body, seek medical advice. This way, the doctor will take the necessary precautions.
If you don’t notice any effect from the prescribed medication after a few weeks, consult a doctor to adjust your treatment plan.
What to Do If You Overdose or Miss Your Dose
If individuals forget to take their medicine on time, they should not take a double dose. With estazolam, a double dose can lead to an overdose and have severe side effects on a patient.
Effects of an overdose include slurred speech, slowed breathing, and sleepiness. Severe symptoms include seizures, and difficulty breathing, and the victim collapses and remains unconscious. Call emergency helplines if you have an overdose victim and rush the victim to the hospital.
Precautions
Before using estazolam for insomnia, notify your doctor of the following:
- Allergies. Alert your doctor about allergies to medications or drug components. This way, if estazolam has these components, the doctor will prescribe an alternative.
- Medication. Estazolam may react with various medications such as antibiotics, other sedatives, and tranquilizers. Ensure your doctor knows of any prescription or non-prescription drugs you use. This way, the doctor can prescribe a reduced dosage or an alternative to estazolam.
- Health issues. Notify your doctor of any health issues that you may have or have had in the past. These may include kidney, lung, liver disease, depression, and alcohol dependence. This information will help the doctor prescribe the appropriate doses of estazolam or use an alternative.
- Pregnancy. Estazolam may cause congenital disabilities in an unborn child. Therefore, if you are pregnant, ensure you let your doctor know. Additionally, if you’re planning on getting pregnant, notify your doctor before beginning an estazolam prescription. Lastly, don’t use estazolam when breastfeeding.
- Addiction. Due to its soothing and sedating properties, estazolam can be addictive. Once you begin using estazolam, your body adapts to the drug’s presence in your system. Consequently, the body stops producing its relaxation chemicals and relies on estazolam. Since you may experience the same high as when you are intoxicated, it’s easy to become reliant on estazolam. So, if you have previously had a history of drug addiction, ensure you let your doctor know. Notify your physician if you notice you are becoming dependent on the drug. Moreover, don’t take more doses of the drug than the one prescribed by your doctor.
In Conclusion
Although estazolam is an effective insomnia medication, you should never use the drug without your doctor’s or pharmacist’s guidance. Always follow up with your doctor when it’s time to end your estazolam prescription. Allow the physician to wean you off the drug to prevent withdrawal symptoms. To know more about taking estazolam and making your treatment process safe and effective, consult EZCare doctors today.
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