Health Library

Estazolam (By mouth)

Estazolam (es-TAZ-oh-lam)

Treats insomnia (trouble sleeping).

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• 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.
• Missed dose: 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.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Do not use this medicine if you are using itraconazole or ketoconazole.
• Some medicines can affect how estazolam works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Carbamazepine, cimetidine, diltiazem, erythromycin, fluvoxamine, isoniazid, nefazodone, phenytoin, rifampin
  • Barbiturate medicine
  • MAO inhibitors
  • Phenothiazine medicine
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

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.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, or a history of depression. Tell your doctor if you smoke cigarettes.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of overdose, which can be life-threatening
  • Respiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening), when used with narcotic pain medicines
  • Sleep-related behaviors (including sleep-driving, sleep-walking, or having sex, making phone calls, or preparing and eating food while you are asleep or not fully awake)
  • Unusual thoughts or behavior
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Check with your doctor if your condition does not improve within 7 to 10 days, or if it becomes worse.
• 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.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

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
• Blue lips, fingernails, or skin, trouble breathing, chest pain
• Change or loss of consciousness, confusion, problems with coordination or speech, unusual drowsiness
• Changes in mood or behavior, depression, thoughts or attempts of hurting yourself
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

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

• Clumsiness or unsteadiness

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: 9/6/2024