Estazolam(es taz’ e lam)
PREGNANCY CATEGORY X
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE C-IV
Drug Classes
Benzodiazepine
Sedative-hypnotic
Therapeutic Actions
Exact mechanisms of action not understood; acts mainly at subcortical levels of the CNS, leaving the cortex relatively unaffected; potentiates the effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Indications
Insomnia characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, or early morning awakening
Recurring insomnia or poor sleeping habits
Acute or chronic medical situations requiring restful sleep
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines, psychoses, acute narrow-angle glaucoma, shock, coma, acute alcoholic intoxication with depression of vital signs, pregnancy (increased risk of congenital malformations, neonatal withdrawal syndrome), labor and delivery (“floppy infant” syndrome reported), lactation (secreted in breast milk; long-term administration of diazepam, another benzodiazepine, to breast-feeding mothers has caused infants to become lethargic and lose weight).
Use cautiously with impaired liver or renal function, debilitation, depression, suicidal tendencies, history of substance abuse.
Available Forms
Tablets—1, 2 mg
