Prosom (Estazolam) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Prosom

Insomnia Treatment (Sleep Aids and Stimulants) »

What is insomnia and what causes it?

Insomnia is difficulty in falling or staying asleep, the absence of restful sleep, or poor quality of sleep. Insomnia is a symptom and not a disease. The most common causes of insomnia are:

medications,
psychological conditions (for example, depression, anxiety),
environmental changes (travel, jet lag, or altitude changes), and
stressful events or a stressful lifestyle.

Insomnia can also be caused by poor sleeping habits such as excessive daytime naps or caffeine consumption and poor sleep hygiene.

The National Center for Sleep Disorders Research at the National Institutes of Health estimates 30%-40% of adults report some symptoms of insomnia each year, and about 10%-15% report they have chronic insomnia.

Insomnia may be classified by how long the symptoms are present.

Transient insomnia usually i...

Read the Insomnia Treatment (Sleep Aids and Stimulants) article »

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Prosom Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

ESTAZOLAM - ORAL

(es-TAH-zoe-lam)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prosom

USES: This medication is used for the short-term treatment of patients with trouble sleeping (insomnia). It is generally used for 7-10 days. It may help you fall asleep faster and decrease the number of times you awaken during the night. It may also help you sleep for a longer period of time. Estazolam belongs to a class of medications called sedative/hypnotics. It acts on your brain to produce a calming effect.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually once nightly, 30 minutes before bedtime; or take as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Although unlikely, this drug can infrequently cause temporary memory loss. To avoid this effect, do not take a dose of this drug unless you have time for a full night's sleep that lasts at least 7-8 hours. For example, do not take this drug during an overnight plane flight of less than 8 hours.

This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as unusual depressed/anxious mood, stomach/muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, shakiness, seizures) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Although it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit forming). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted.

When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

You may experience trouble sleeping the first few nights after you stop taking this medication. This is called rebound insomnia and it is normal. It will usually go away after 1-2 nights. If this effect continues, contact your doctor.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 7-10 days.