What Is Estazolam Used For? (Cont.)

How Does Estazolam Work?

Estazolam is part of 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).
 

Is Estazolam Used in Children?

Estazolam is not approved for treating insomnia in children. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using the drug in children.
 

Is Estazolam Used for Off-Label Reasons?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend estazolam for treating something other than insomnia. Currently, there are no universally accepted off-label estazolam uses.

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;