Estazolam, sold under the brand names ProSom and Eurodin, is a prescription medication used for the short-term treatment of insomnia.
Uses of Estazolam
Estazolam may be used to treat difficulties initiating or maintaining sleep, which are the hallmark symptoms of insomnia. When these symptoms occur over the short-term (such as in acute insomnia), estazolam may be an effective treatment option.
How Does Estazolam Work?
Estazolam is one of the sleeping pills from the class of benzodiazepines. It works by binding to the receptors for a particular neurotransmitter (GABA). Neurotransmitters are chemicals that travel between nerve cells to conduct signals. Binding to GABA's receptors results in sleep promotion.
Who Should Not Use Estazolam?
Estazolam should not be used if you are pregnant. It is not known if it is safe when breastfeeding. Estrazolam should be used with caution by people with certain conditions or in certain situations, including depression; alcohol, tobacco, or drug abuse history; the elderly or debilitated; and impaired breathing, liver, and kidney function.
What Are Common Side Effects?
Every drug has the potential for side effects, and estazolam is no exception. Although you would not be expected to experience most side effects -- and you may not have any -- some that commonly occur with estazolam use include:
- Sleepiness
- Slow movements
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Difficulty with coordination
- Malaise (a feeling of unpleasantness)
- Pain
- Confusion
- Abnormal thinking
What Are Potential Serious Reactions?
As with the use of most drugs, there is a risk of serious side effects when using estazolam. These serious reactions occur more rarely. With the use of estazolam, some of the potential serious reactions include:
- Breathing suppression
- Amnesia (memory loss)
- Complex sleep-related behavior
- Hallucinations
- Suicide
- Dependency or abuse
- Withdrawal if abruptly stopped
- Seizures
- Sensitivity to light
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a serious skin reaction)
- Agranulocytosis (loss of white blood cells)
What Safety Precautions and Monitoring Should Occur?
As described above, some people should not use estazolam or should use it only with caution. If you are using the medication for a prolonged period of time, you should have basic blood tests including blood chemistries, a complete blood count, liver function tests and urinalysis.
As estazolam is a benzodiazepine, great care must be taken when the medication is stopped. Abrupt cessation should be avoided. Instead, the dose should be tapered down gradually according to the advice of your doctor. If you abruptly stop estazolam, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Unpleasant feelings (dysphoria)
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Hallucinations
- Sensory changes (paresthesias)
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Muscle twitching or cramps
- Stomach cramps
- Rapid heart rate
- Sweating
If you experience any difficulties, you should be in close contact with your primary health provider.
Sources:
“Estazolam.” Epocrates Rx Pro. Version 3.4, 2010. Epocrates, Inc. San Mateo, California.
