Estazolam - Oral

Estazolam is a sleeping pill. It helps you fall asleep if you have problem sleeping (also known as insomnia).

Take Estazolam exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take this medicine before bedtime.

Do not take this medicine for a longer period than instructed by your doctor. Inform your doctor if this medicine does not seem to help you.

If you have been taking Estazolam over a certain period of time, do not stop taking it suddenly as it may worsen your condition. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Estazolam is used to help you sleep. You may not need to take it every day. Take it only when you need it. If you miss a dose, take it at your next scheduled dose.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Do not take Estazolam with certain medicines used to treat fungal infection such as ketoconazole and itraconazole.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of alcohol or substance abuse
• history of mental health problems
• depression
• lung disease or breathing problems e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe), sleep apnoea (sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep)
• kidney disease
• liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Estazolam to the elderly or debilitated individual (physically or mentally weak, usually due to illness or old age). Elderly people and debilitated individuals may be more sensitive to the side effects.

For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular tests (e.g. blood or urine tests) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.

Practise good sleeping habits to reduce reliance on sleeping pills. These are some good sleeping habits which you should follow:

• Try to relax before bedtime. Do not engage in strenuous activities.
• Try to go to bed at about the same time every night.
• Have a light dinner. A heavy dinner may disturb your sleep.
• Avoid caffeine in the evening. Caffeine-containing food and drinks include coffee, tea, certain soft drinks and even chocolate.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before bedtime.
• Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and airy.
• Avoid taking naps, especially in the late afternoon.

Estazolam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or slow brain function and motor skills. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: constipation, dry mouth, and leg pain.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, throat or mouth
• memory loss
• unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, aggressive, or seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
• abnormal activities during sleep e.g. driving, making phone calls, preparing or eating food while you are still asleep

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Estazolam with certain medicines used to treat fungal infection such as ketoconazole and itraconazole.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• strong painkillers
• medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Estazolam.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Estazolam.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.