Estazolam is commonly prescribed as a short-term treatment for insomnia. It is only intended to be used for short periods of time and works by enhancing the naturally calming effects of a certain brain chemical. Some of the common side effects include dizziness, coordination problems, and drowsiness. Estazolam comes in tablet form and is usually taken at bedtime.
Estazolam (
ProSom®) is a prescription sleep medication approved for the short-term treatment of
insomnia.
Estazolam was made by Abbott Pharmaceuticals until May 2007, when the manufacturer decided to stop making it. However, generic estazolam is still available.
Estazolam belongs to a group of medications known as benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines have several different effects on the body, including:
- Relaxing the muscles
- Reducing anxiety
- Causing sleepiness
- Stopping seizures
- Impairing short-term memory.
All benzodiazepine medications can have these effects to some degree, depending on the specific medication and the dose. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why estazolam and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
Estazolam has been evaluated in several different studies as an
insomnia treatment. Some studies showed that the drug was effective at helping people fall asleep, while others have shown that it can also help people stay asleep. In addition, studies suggest that estazolam may increase the quality of sleep.
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