Etizolam
About Etizolam
Etizolam belongs to a class of 'anxiolytic' (anxiety reducer) called benzodiazepine primarily used in the treatment of anxiety disorder, panic disorder and insomnia (difficulty in falling or staying asleep). Anxiety is a mental health disorder associated with fear, worry and excessive nervousness. Insomnia is a disorder of sleep that causes difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep. Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that causes sudden feelings of fear even when there is no real danger with symptoms like a fast heartbeat.
Etizolam reduces anxiety/panic, induces sleep and relaxes muscles due to fits episodes. It works by increasing the activity of GABA (a chemical messenger in the brain that acts as a natural nerve-calming agent) and is involved in inducing sleep. Thereby, Etizolam relaxes muscles, reduces anxiety and helps to fall asleep.
Take Etizolam as prescribed. Your doctor will advise how often you take Etizolam based on your medical condition. Most common side effects of Etizolam include drowsiness, ataxia (neurological conditions which affect balance and coordination), dysarthria (difficulty speaking), nystagmus (involuntary eye movement) and blepharospasm (involuntary closure of eyelids). Most of these side effects of Etizolam do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Etizolam or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Etizolam. Etizolam should be used with caution in elderly patients as there is an increased risk of adverse reactions such as dizziness, muscle weakness and drowsiness. Do not take Etizolam with opioids as it may cause breathing problems or other severe adverse effects. Respiratory depressant effects of Etizolam are life-threatening in patients with severe chronic obstructive airways disease (COPD) and asthma. Overdose may lead to rhabdomyolysis (the breakdown of muscle tissue) and hypothermia (a dangerous drop in body temperature). Alcohol consumption with Etizolam may potentiate the toxic effect of the drug.
Uses of Etizolam
Medicinal Benefits
Etizolam is an anxiolytic drug (reduces anxiety) that is used to treat anxiety, panic disorder over a short period and insomnia (difficulty in falling or staying asleep). Etizolam increases the activity of GABA (a chemical messenger in the brain that acts as a natural nerve-calming agent) and is involved in inducing sleep. Thereby, Etizolam relaxes muscles, reduces anxiety and helps to fall asleep.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Etizolam
- Drowsiness
- Ataxia (neurological conditions which affect balance and coordination)
- Dysarthria (difficulty speaking)
- Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
- Blepharospasm (involuntary closure of eyelids)
Drug Warnings
Do not take Etizolam if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as it may cause adverse effects in the baby. Etizolam should be used with caution in elderly patients as there is an increased risk of adverse reactions such as dizziness, muscle weakness and drowsiness. Inform your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness), chronic pulmonary insufficiency, drug addiction, kidney or liver problems before taking Etizolam. Do not take Etizolam with opioids as it may cause breathing problems, drowsiness, coma and even death.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Etizolam may have interaction with high blood pressure-lowering medicines (clonidine, moxonidine, lofexidine, hydralazine, minoxidil, nitroprusside), fits related drugs (phenytoin, clonazepam, carbamazepine), antidepressants (paroxetine, fluvoxamine, trazodone), opioid pain killers (bupropion, morphine, codeine), drugs used to treat heartburn (cisapride), sedative-hypnotics (zolpidem), drugs used to treat low blood sugar (diazoxide), antifungals (fluconazole), drugs for stomach ulcers (cimetidine, esomeprazole, omeprazole), antipsychotics (clozapine), drugs to treat chronic alcoholism (disulfiram).
Drug-Food Interaction: Etizolam may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid intake of alcohol while taking Etizolam as it may increase side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness or difficulty in concentrating.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness), pulmonary insufficiency, kidney or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Etizolam.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Etizolam as it may increase the risk of drowsiness and other adverse effects.
Pregnancy
cautionEtizolam is a Category C pregnancy drug, and safety is unknown. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Etizolam is excreted in human milk. Please consult a doctor before using Etizolam while breastfeeding.
Driving
unsafeEtizolam may cause dizziness, double vision or drowsiness in some people. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel drowsy, dizzy or experience any vision problems after taking Etizolam.
Liver
cautionTake Etizolam with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Etizolam in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionThe safety of Etizolam in children is unknown. Please consult a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do regular exercise and maintain healthy body weight.
- Maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid fried foods, high-fat dairy products, pastries and processed foods as they may worsen anxiety.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern. Do not take a nap during day time.
- Avoid watching tv, using mobiles or laptops just before bedtime.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol as it may increase drowsiness.
Special Advise
Do not take Etizolam for a prolonged time as it may lead to mental or physical dependence on Etizolam.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anxiety: It is a mental health disorder associated with fear, worry and excessive nervousness that may interfere with one’s daily activities. The symptoms of anxiety include feeling more stress than required for that event and lack of ability to set aside restlessness and worry.
Insomnia: It is a disorder of sleep that causes difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep. It may be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute insomnia may last from one night to a few weeks and occurs due to stress or life changes. Chronic insomnia may last from more than 3 nights per week to more than 3 months. Insomnia is mostly caused due to depression, stress, anxiety, jet lag, shift work, uncomfortable beds, chronic illness, caffeine, nicotine or alcohol intake or due to certain medicines.
FAQs
No, you are not recommended to take Etizolam with opioids as co-administration of these medicines may cause breathing problems, drowsiness or other adverse effects. However, before using Etizolam with any other medicines, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dosage may be adjusted accordingly to use safely.
Yes, Etizolam may cause drowsiness. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid driving or any other activities that require mental alertness after taking Etizolam.
No, you are not recommended to stop taking Etizolam without consulting your doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms such as palpitations (the sensation that heart skipped a beat or extra beat), anxiety, confusion, difficulty in sleeping and tremors. Therefore, take Etizolam for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Etizolam, please consult your doctor so that the dose may be gradually reduced.
Yes, Etizolam may cause mental or physical dependence if used for a prolonged time. Therefore, take Etizolam only in dose and duration as advised by your doctor.
No, Etizolam is not recommended for patients suffering from myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness) as it may worsen the condition. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis before taking Etizolam.
