There are days when you toss and turn for hours after going to bed, but you can't sleep. Your head is racing. Or if you wake up in the middle of the night, you won't be able to sleep again until morning. In medicine, we call this problem of insomnia. Estazolam is a drug that doctors sometimes prescribe for a short period of time as a treatment for this condition. Today, we will talk very simply about this drug, its pros and cons, and things to be careful about while using it.
What kind of drug is Estazolam?
Simply put, Estazolam is a drug that helps you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep throughout the night. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. This type of drug works by slightly controlling brain activity, calming the mind, and inducing sleep.
The most important thing is that this is usually only recommended for short-term use , as continued use can lead to a build-up of the body's tolerance, which can lead to dependence.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
For your safety, before you start using Estazolam, it is important to discuss the following conditions with your doctor. These may affect the dosage you are given or whether the medication is right for you.
| Your medical condition or problem | Why is it important to tell the doctor about it? |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma (eye condition) | This medicine may increase eye pressure. |
| A history of drug or alcohol addiction | This medication also carries a risk of addiction, so extreme caution is required. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Because drugs are eliminated from the body through these organs, if their function is impaired, the drug may accumulate in the body and increase side effects. |
| Lung or respiratory diseases, such as asthma | This can be risky for respiratory patients, as the medication can slow breathing somewhat. |
| Mental illness (depression, suicidal thoughts) | This medicine may sometimes alter mental status or worsen certain symptoms. |
| Myasthenia Gravis or Parkinson's disease | The symptoms of these conditions may worsen. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This medicine can cause serious birth defects in the unborn baby. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | The medicine may be transmitted to the baby through breast milk, so you should discuss this with your doctor. |
How to use the medicine correctly?
It is very important to follow these instructions to get the most out of the medication and minimize side effects.
- Take this medicine with a glass of water.
- Take the amount prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time. Never increase the dose at will.
- Never stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor. Doing so may cause severe reactions. If you do stop taking the medicine, do so gradually, reducing the dosage as directed by your doctor.
- Overdose: If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
- This medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to others, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to your next dose (for example, within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once for any reason.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Estazolam can interact with other medications, including alcohol, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Drug/substance type | Possible impact |
|---|---|
| Never take these with you. | |
| Some opioid-containing cough medicines | Dangerous conditions such as excessive sleepiness and respiratory arrest can occur. |
| Sodium oxybate | There is a high risk of severe side effects. |
| Be very careful when taking these with food (seek medical advice) | |
| Alcohol | Causes excessive drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and difficulty breathing. |
| Allergy and cold medications (Antihistamines) | It greatly increases sleepiness. |
| Medication for anxiety or other sleep disorders | The effects of medications can be overwhelming and dangerous. |
| Some painkillers (especially opioids) and muscle relaxants | Serious side effects such as excessive drowsiness and slowed breathing can occur. |
Things to be especially careful about while taking the medicine
Feeling sleepy all day long
After taking this medicine, plan to get at least 7-8 hours of full sleep at night. Otherwise, you may feel very sleepy and sluggish the next day. Until you know exactly how this medicine affects you, avoid dangerous activities that require alertness, such as driving, working at heights, or operating machinery. Change positions slowly when getting up from a sitting or standing position, as dizziness may occur.
Unusual sleep activities
This is a strange and dangerous side effect. Some people can drive, cook, eat, make phone calls, and have sex while they are asleep. The scariest part is that they don't remember anything they did the next morning when they wake up. If you find out that this has happened to you, you should stop taking the medicine immediately and tell your doctor.
Changes in behavior and mood
If you or your family notice any changes in your behavior (e.g., sudden anger, agitation, confusion, increased depression, suicidal thoughts), call your doctor immediately.
How to keep medicine safe?
- Keep it safe, out of the reach of children and pets.
- Since this is a drug that can be abused, it is best to keep it in a locked place to protect it from thieves.
- Keep the bottle tightly closed at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius) to protect it from light and air.
- Do not use expired medication. If you are throwing away any unused pills, mix them with something like coffee grounds or cat litter, put them in a tightly sealed container, and throw them away.
Take-Home Message
- Estazolam is a medication used to treat insomnia, usually for short-term use only.
- Before starting this medication, it is imperative that you tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Never stop taking medication suddenly without medical advice.
- After taking the medicine, make time for a full 7-8 hours of sleep. Be aware of possible drowsiness the next day and avoid risky activities such as driving.
- This is not suitable for pregnant mothers. Seek medical advice immediately if you experience unusual behavior, mental changes, or severe side effects.
- Never share your medicine with others.
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