What is estazolam?
Estazolam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Estazolam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems (insomnia).
Estazolam is used to treat insomnia symptoms, such as trouble falling or staying asleep.
Estazolam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about estazolam?
Estazolam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking estazolam and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Take estazolam only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking estazolam and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to estazolam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam (Halcion).
This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby, or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Do not use estazolam if you are pregnant.
Estazolam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for.Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking estazolam?
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking estazolam and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to estazolam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam (Halcion).
Before taking estazolam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems (also tell your doctor if you smoke);
glaucoma;
kidney or liver disease;
myasthenia gravis;
a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use estazolam, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Estazolam can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. It may also cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes estazolam late in pregnancy. Do not use estazolam if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.
Estazolam may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
The sedative effects of flurazepam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking flurazepam.
Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old.