Estazolam

Estazolam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to treat insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep).

Estazolam may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use estazolam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel a stronger urge to use more of estazolam.

Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot access it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Take this medicine only when you are preparing for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.

Call your doctor if your insomnia does not improve after taking estazolam for 7 to 10 nights, or if you experience any mood or behavior changes. Insomnia can be a symptom of depression, mental illness, or certain medical conditions. Do not take estazolam for longer than 12 weeks without your doctor's advice.

Do not stop using estazolam without consulting your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep your medicine in a location where no one can misuse it.

Your insomnia symptoms may return when you stop using estazolam after long-term use.

Estazolam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol.

MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Do not stop using estazolam without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.

Get medical help right away if you stop using estazolam and have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts about suicide.

Do not use if you are pregnant.

You should not use estazolam if you are allergic to it, or:

• if you are pregnant; or
• if you are also using itraconazole or ketoconazole.

May cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. If you use estazolam during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks. Use effective birth control while using estazolam. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• breathing problems;
• drug or alcohol addiction;
• suicidal thoughts or actions;
• depression or mental illness; or
• liver or kidney disease.

Do not breastfeed.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Estazolam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; nausea, vomiting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Estazolam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue-colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Estazolam may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• unusual thoughts or behavior;
• depressed mood, thoughts about suicide or harming yourself;
• confusion, hallucinations, aggression, agitation; or
• worsening sleep problems.

Some people using estazolam have done activities like driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later have no memory of doing those activities. Tell your doctor if this happens to you.

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or getting hurt.

Common side effects of estazolam may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness;
• headache;
• feeling tired;
• dry mouth; or
• upset stomach.

After you stop using estazolam, get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions.

Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping estazolam suddenly. Tell your doctor if you have ongoing anxiety, depression, problems with memory or thinking, trouble sleeping, ringing in your ears, a burning or prickly feeling, or a crawling sensation under your skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:

1 to 2 mg orally at bedtimeUse: Short-term management of insomnia

Usual Geriatric Dose for Insomnia:

1 mg orally at bedtimeComments:-Dose increases should be initiated with care.-In small or debilitated older patients, a starting dose of 0.5 mg should be considered.Use: Short-term management of insomnia

Estazolam is used as needed. If you are following a dosing schedule and miss a dose, skip that missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of estazolam can be deadly if taken with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that make you drowsy or slow your breathing.

Signs of an overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, weak or shallow breathing, or coma.

Do not drink alcohol. Serious side effects or death could happen.

Avoid taking estazolam with food or right after a meal.

You may still feel sleepy the next morning after taking estazolam. Wait until you are completely awake before driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that needs you to be awake and alert. Your reactions may be affected.

Using estazolam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause serious side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may impact estazolam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking.