Drug Notes

Estazolam (By mouth)

Estazolam (es-TAZ-oh-lam)

Treats insomnia (trouble sleeping). This medicine is a benzodiazepine.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• This medicine is usually taken just before bedtime, or when you are having trouble falling asleep.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

If a dose is missed:

• Use this medicine only when you cannot sleep. You do not need to keep a regular dosage schedule for taking it. Do not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using nefazodone (Serzone®), fluvoxamine (Luvox®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), diltiazem (Cardizem®, Dilacor XR®), isoniazide (Nydrazid®, Laniazid®), erythromycin (Ery-tab®), or clarithromycin (Biaxin®). Tell your doctor if you are using carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Tegretol®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), rifampin (Rimactane®, Rifadin®), or barbiturates (phenobarbital, butabarbital).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) (such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®), phenothiazine medicine (such as prochlorperazine, Compazine®, Mellaril®, Phenergan®, Thorazine®, Trilafon®), or if you smoke cigarettes.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, or a history of depression.
• Your doctor may need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine, especially if you will be using this medicine for a long time. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have itching, hives, trouble breathing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth when you take this medicine.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. This medicine may also cause sleep-related behaviors such as sleep-driving, making phone calls, or preparing and eating food while asleep or not fully awake. If these reactions occur, tell your doctor right away.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Depression or severe confusion.
• Severe drowsiness, dizziness, or weakness.
• Slurred speech.
• Trouble breathing.
• Unsteadiness (having a hard time standing up).

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild drowsiness or dizziness.
• Tiredness or clumsiness.
• Trouble concentrating.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017