Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are a class of drugs that are normally prescribed to treat a variety of ailments, including anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. These substances are designed to sedate functions of the central nervous system to prevent nerve excitability associated with the conditions we previously mentioned. Benzos are highly effective medications when taken as prescribed, but they do come with risks. Today we’re going to take a look at estazolam side effects and the risks linked to this particular benzo.
What Is Estazolam and How Does It Work?
Estazolam is a benzodiazepine that’s prescribed to treat a sleeping disorder called insomnia. Like other benzos, estazolam works by activating the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This inhibitory chemical messenger reduces nerve activity and sedates certain functions, which can be helpful to someone who chronically struggles to fall and stay asleep.
While some medications are designed for long-term use, estazolam does not fall into this category. This medication is usually only prescribed for short-term use, specifically from 7 to 10 days. Severe estazolam side effects can occur if the medication is taken for longer periods than prescribed. For this reason, it’s important to closely follow your healthcare provider’s directions when taking this medication.
What Are the Side Effects of Estazolam?
Estazolam tablets can lead to severe allergic reactions in some cases. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Because estazolam is a central nervous system depressant, it’s also important to know that the drug can impair your judgment, coordination, and decision-making abilities.
This means that engaging in certain behaviors while under the influence of estazolam can be dangerous, including driving. Some people using estazolam even experience temporary memory loss or missing gaps of memory. For instance, users may drive, eat, or even make phone calls and later have no memory of the activity.
Other common estazolam side effects and symptoms include:
- Difficulty staying awake
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Sedation
- Slurred speech
- Trouble concentrating
- Upset stomach
While the initial side effects of estazolam usually dissipate as the individual becomes more accustomed to the drug, considering that the medication is only prescribed for a week or so at a time, it may not be enough time for the person to get used to the drug. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the side effects if you’re taking estazolam for sleep.
Additionally, it’s also important to know that because it acts as a depressant, estazolam can also slow your breathing, especially if you’ve recently used another depressant, such as an opioid. This medication can also contribute to suicidal thoughts and ideation.
Serious estazolam side effects to look out for include:
- Unusual thoughts or behavior
- Depressed mood
- Thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Worsening sleep problems
If you experience any adverse side effects while taking estazolam, speak to your doctor promptly. Get medical help right away if you experience symptoms like unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or if you have suicidal thoughts or actions after stopping estazolam.
Is Estazolam Addictive?
Benzodiazepines like estazolam are addictive. Because benzos affect the chemical balance in the brain, misusing these medications can lead to a change in chemical structure. After a while of misuse, the brain and body become accustomed to the drug. In these cases, withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur if the user suddenly quits or cuts down on the drug. Because withdrawals can be uncomfortable, failing to receive medically supervised detox can lead to relapse.
Taking higher doses of estazolam than prescribed, mixing it with other drugs or alcohol, and taking it in ways it’s not meant to be taken (such as crushing and snorting pills) are all examples of estazolam abuse. Engaging in these drug-taking behaviors increases your risk of developing a severe addiction that can contribute to various physical and mental health problems.
Help for Estazolam Abuse
Long-term estazolam abuse can lead to a severe drug use disorder that could impact your physical health, mental health, relationships, career, and more. So many people have lost their lives to drug use, a terrifying reality that’s been highlighted throughout the opioid epidemic. Fortunately, help is available.
Our Southern California rehab offers benzo addiction treatment that incorporates detox and therapy to help clients recover physically and psychologically from the impact of substance abuse. We understand that addictions impact the mind as much as they impact the body, so we believe well-rounded care is needed to achieve sobriety.
For more information about our benzo detox and addiction treatment or our other Palm Springs drug rehab programs, call Banyan Treatment Centers today at 888-280-4763 or give us your contact information so we can reach out to you.
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