ABSTRACT
This chapter describes trade name, classification, approved indications for psychological disorders, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, usual dosage and administration, relative contraindications, and clinically significant drug interactions of estazolam. Estazolam’s hypnotic action appears to be mediated by, or work in concert with, the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Short- or long-term estazolam pharmacotherapy may result in addiction and habituation. Estazolam pharmacotherapy commonly has been associated with dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and incoordination. Signs and symptoms of estazolam overdosage include confusion, somnolence, coma, and diminished reflexes. Estazolam overdosage requires emergency symptomatic medical support of body systems with attention to increasing estazolam elimination. A benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome similar to the alcohol withdrawal syndrome may occur after discontinuation of long-term estazolam pharmacotherapy, or regular personal use. Concurrent alcohol use may increase the CNS depressant action of estazolam. Advise patients to avoid, or limit, their use of alcohol while receiving estazolam pharmacotherapy.
