About ProSom
ProSom (Estazolam) is in the group of drugs known as benzodiazepines, a class of antidepressants, anti-panic agents, and muscle relaxants that work by slowing the central nervous system. ProSom is related to Valium and is used primarily to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia. ProSom is prescribed for temporary, short-term use, for a maximum of 12 weeks. Usual dosage is one 1 mg tablet at bedtime, as needed.
ProSom is habit-forming and there may be withdrawal symptoms, usually
insomnia and irritability. Sometimes more severe withdrawal
symptoms may occur if the medication is stopped abruptly,
including cramps, convulsions, excessive sweating, tremors
and vomiting. Tapering off the medication is recommended,
under your doctor's supervision.
ProSom is only available by prescription. Do not use this
medication with alcohol, narcotic pain medications, or other
sedatives before talking with your doctor to establish safe
usage guidelines.
ProSom Side Effects
Common Side Effects:dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, grogginess, headache, heartburn, diarrhea, light-headedness, nausea, loss of coordination, and weakness. Operating automobiles or heavy machinery is not recommended while taking Prosom. The effects of this medication may last into the following day. Be aware of how this medication affects you before attempting any potentially dangerous activities.
Less common Side Effects: abdominal cramps, constipation,
dry mouth, hyperventilation, blurred vision, chest pain, change
in sex drive, confusion, change in appetite, insomnia, unusual
dreams, change in salivation, low blood pressure, racing heartbeat,
fainting, nasal congestion, difficulty urinating, sweating,
weight change, skin irritation, twitching or tremors, nervous
or anxious state, sun sensitivity, respiratory infection,
memory impairment, menstrual difficulties, and loss of coordination.
Speak to your doctor about any of these effects; your dosage
may need to be adjusted or treatment discontinued.
Rare ProSom Side Effects: rash, difficulty concentrating,
irregular heartbeat, slurred or unusual speech, double vision,
fear, fever, altered sense of taste, lack of inhibition, muscle
cramps or spasms, urination problems, tingling, incontinence,
warmth, weakness, change in muscle tone, or yellow eyes and
skin. These side effects may be dangerous. Speak to your doctor
if you experience any of these effects; your treatment may
need to be discontinued.
ProSom treatment should be discontinued if any of the
following occur: allergic reaction, hyperexcitement, muscle
spasm, anxiety, hallucinations, rage, tremors, insomnia, sleeping
difficulties or over stimulation.
Cautions: ProSom has been known to interact undesirably
with certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor if you have,
or have a history of, any of the following conditions.
- Alcohol or drug abuse - may increase likelihood of
ProSom dependence
- Allergic reaction to ProSom, Valium, or other benzodiazepine. Always tell your doctor about any allergies before starting a medication.
- Brain disease - may increase likelihood of side effects
from ProSom
- Breathing difficulties such as asthma, bronchitis,
emphysema, or any other chronic lung disease - ProSom may
worsen this condition.
- Difficulty swallowing - This condition may become
more pronounced in children.
- Epilepsy or seizures - Abruptly starting or stopping
treatment with ProSom may increase seizures.
- Glaucoma - If you have glaucoma, notify your doctor
before taking this medication.
- Hyperactivity
- Kidney or liver problems - More ProSom may end
up in your bloodstream if you have a pre-existing kidney
or liver condition, increasing the likelihood of side effects.
If you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, seek medical
treatment immediately.
- Major Depression - The central nervous system depressant
effects of ProSom may worsen this condition.
- Myasthenia gravis - This autoimmune disorder characterized
by muscle weakness may be aggravated by ProSom treatment.
- Psychosis or other serious mental illness - ProSom
has not proved to be an effective treatment for these conditions,
and is not recommended.
- Sleep apnea (temporary suspension of breathing
during sleep) - ProSom may worsen this condition. Individuals
with sleep apnea should not generally use sedatives as sleep
aids. (See Sleep
Disorders)
ProSom Dependence: ProSom has been known to be habit-forming. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if treatment is discontinued abruptly. Follow your doctor's advice about how much, and how often, you should take ProSom. If you are considering stopping ProSom treatment, ask your doctor how to safely decrease and then stop ProSom.
Physical withdrawal symptoms should not be interpreted as addiction unless you crave the medication even when you feel well, or desire to take it more often than suggested by your doctor. Physical withdrawal is common in individuals who have been taking ProSom for long periods of time, and can be minimized by following your doctor's advice.
ProSom Interactions
ProSom slows the central nervous system, and should be taken with care with medications that do the same thing. When ProSom is taken with certain other medications, the rate of side effects may increase, and the action of either medication may be increased or altered. Certain medications can cause an undesirable build-up of ProSom in the body. Stimulants may decrease the effectiveness of your treatment. Read the labels of herbal supplements and over the counter medications to check for interactions. Ask your doctor's advice about combining ProSom with any of the following:
- Alcohol - ProSom treatment should not be mixed with alcohol, it increases the risk of overdose and fatal toxicity. Avoid alcohol at all times while taking ProSom.
- Any medication which may cause drowsiness
- Antabuse (disulfiram)
- Antiseizure medication like Cerebyx (fosphenytoin), Dilantin (phenytoin), or Tegretol (carbamazepine) may build up to toxic levels when taken with ProSom.
- Benzodiazepines of any other type such as Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), bromazepam, ProSom (triazolam), Restoril (temazepam), Librium(chlordiazepoxide), nitrazepam, Xanax (alprazolam), Tranxene-SD (clorazepate), Paxipam (halazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and others, should not generally be mixed with ProSom. This could lead to extreme over sedation, overdose, or possibly death.
- Benemid (probenecid)
- Beta blockers like Lopressor (metoprolol) or Inderal (propranolol)
- Desyrel (trazodone)
- Ephedra - This stimulant may reduce the sedative effects of ProSom.
- Ginseng - This herb may interfere with ProSom treatment.
- Gotu kola - This herb may decrease the effectiveness of ProSom.
- Kava kava - Do not take this herb while taking ProSom.
- Kola nut - This herb may cause diazepam to be less effective.
- Lanoxin (digoxin)
- Larodopa or Sinemet (carbidopa, levodopa)
- Ma huang - This herb may decrease the effectiveness of ProSom.
- MAO inhibitors - ProSom should not be mixed with MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors, a class of antidepressants and antisenility drugs, such as Eldepryl (selegiline), Furoxone (furazolidone), Nardil (phenelzine), Marplan (isocarboxazid), or Parnate (tranylcypromine).
- Mate - This herb may decrease the effectiveness of ProSom.
- Morphine and ProSom must not be administered together.
- Narcotic pain medication like Codeine, Demerol
(meperidine), Buprenex (buprenorphine), Darvon (propoxyphene),
Dilaudid (hydromorphone), MS Contin or Kadian (morphine), nalbuphine,
OxyContin (oxycodone),
Percocet (oxycodone and
acetaminophen), Stadol (butorphanol), Talwin compound (pentazocine),
or Vicodin (hydrocodone and
acetaminophen), Vicoprofen
(hydrocodone and ibuprofen) may accelerate central nervous
system or respiratory depression when taken with ProSom.
Also, ProSom may decrease the effectiveness of these medications
as pain relievers.
- Nicotine - May reduce the effectiveness of ProSom.
- Nizoral (ketoconazole)
- Norflex (orphenadrine) - Risk of oversedation.
- Oral contraceptives - May cause ProSom to build up in the body, potentially increasing side effects.
- Prilosec (omeprazole)
- Provigil (modafinil) - Dosage adjustments may be necessary.
- Rifamate (isoniazid), Rifater or Rifadin (rifampin), or Mycobutin (rifabutin)
- Sedatives like Fioricet (butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine), Fiorinal (butalbital, aspirin, and caffeine), Phenobarbitol, Seconal, or other barbiturates.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Celexa (citalopram), Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), Luvox (fluvoxamine), or Zoloft (sertraline).
- Serzone (nefazodone)
- Skeletal muscle relaxants such as Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), Skelaxin (metaxalone), Soma (carisoprodol), or Robaxin (methocarbamol) may cause oversedation in combination with this medication.
- Sleep medication like Ambien (zolpidem), Sonata (zaleplon), or over the counter sleeping pills should be used with ProSom only as, and if, advised by your doctor.
- Sporanox (itraconazole)
- St. John's Wort - Do not take this herb while taking ProSom.
- Tagamet (cimetidine)
- Tranquilizers such as Haldol (haloperidol), Mellaril (thioridazine), or Thorazine (chlorpromazine) may cause oversedation.
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil (amitriptyline), Asendin (amoxapine), Anafranil (clomipramine), Pertofrane or Norpramin (desipramine), Sinequan (doxepin), Tofranil (imipramine), Aventyl or Pamelor (nortriptyline), Vivactil (protriptyline), and Surmontil (trimipramine), may increase the risk of side effects from ProSom.
- Ultram (tramadol) - This pain reliever may over sedate you if taken in combination with diazepam.
- Valerian - Do not take this herb while taking ProSom.
- Valproic acid, also Depakote, Depakene, and divalproex.
- Zantac (ranitidine)
ProSom Dosages
ProSom is available in 1 mg tablets. Starting dosage is usually 1 mg at bedtime, as needed. Maximum dosage is 2 mg per day. There is not information on the safety or effectiveness of ProSom in children under 18. If prescribed for children, dosage will be lower and based on body weight. Seniors may be more sensitive to this medication and a lower starting dosage, usually ½ mg, may be prescribed.
Only take as directed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, it is not necessary to make up the missed dose. Do not take two doses at once. Tablets may be taken with or without food.
ProSom overdose symptoms can include lack of coordination, confusion, seizure, slow breathing, slow heartbeat, slurred speech, sleepiness, staggering, or coma. Seek medical treatment immediately if you suspect an overdose.
ProSom Directions
Take ProSom only when you will be able to sleep for 7-8 hours without interruption, to allow it to clear from the body. If this medication is taken when you are travelling, consuming alcohol, or do not have time to sleep, a temporary amnesia may occur for the duration of the drug's presence in the body.
Do not increase your dose of ProSom without instructions from your doctor. While this medication is not considered necessary, you run an increased risk of side effects like rebound insomnia if you miss doses or discontinue use abruptly. If you should miss a dose, do not take another one until the following night when instructed by your doctor. Do not take double doses of this medication.
Do not discontinue treatment abruptly, or without the advice of your doctor. Withdrawal symptoms may range from mild insomnia, to cramps, sweating, and tremor, depending on the length of use and dosage taken. Gradual withdrawal under the guidance of your physician is recommended.
Inform your doctor, dentist, or anesthesiologist that you are taking ProSom before any kind of surgery or medical test. This medication may interfere with certain test results. ProSom should not be combined with certain medications given during surgery.
Store ProSom away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location; avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.
Keep ProSom away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding any unused medication.
ProSom was designed to cause drowsiness, and may cause disorientation or temporary amnesia if you remain awake while using it. Do not take it before planning to drive or engage in any other potentially hazardous activity. Take this sedative only as you are preparing to sleep, at a time suggested by your doctor based on your usual bedtime.
ProSom and Pregnancy
ProSom is not recommended for pregnant women, or women who are planning to become pregnant. ProSom can cause birth defects. It can cause drug withdrawal symptoms for a newborn. It may be possible for ProSom to be passed to the baby through breast milk. Do not take ProSom while breastfeeding.
ProSom and Children
The safety and effectiveness of ProSom in children under 18 years of age has not been established, however your doctor may prescribe a lower dose for children, based on body weight.
ProSom and Seniors
Older adults taking ProSom are usually directed to start with smaller doses (1/2 mg) and limit intake to the smallest effective dose. Seniors are more likely to become too heavily sedated, or experience decreased muscle coordination.
ProSom is a trademark of Abbott Laboratories
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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