Etizolam
Introduction To Etizolam
Etizolam is a prescription medicine used to treat short-term anxiety and insomnia. It binds to specific receptor sites in the brain and calms the brain. Therefore, it provides effective relaxation to the brain.
Etizolam may be taken with or without food. However, take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it has a high potential of habit-forming.
If you have missed any doses, take it as soon as you remember it and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. You should not stop this medication without talking to your doctor as it may cause nausea and anxiety.
Some common side effects of this medicine include headaches, impaired muscle coordination, slurred speech, muscle weakness, altered libido, and depression. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. Talk to your doctor about potential side effects and ways you might prevent or cope with them. You may also get side effects after stopping the treatment.
Before taking the medicine you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Etizolam can usually be mixed safely with other medicines but some medicines, including antacids and alcohol, do affect the way it works and can increase the chance of side effects. If you have been taking this medicine for a long time then regular monitoring of blood and liver functions may be required.
Uses of Etizolam
- Treatment of Short term anxiety
- Treatment of Insomnia
Benefits of Etizolam
Treatment of Short term anxiety
Etizolam reduces the symptoms of excessive anxiety and worry that are
triggered only at the time of stressful conditions that last for a shorter
duration. These could be job interviews, exams, stage performances, etc. It
can effectively manage feelings of restlessness, tiredness, difficulty
concentrating and feeling irritable. Etizolam will therefore help you go
about your daily activities more easily and be more productive. Keep taking
this medicine even if you feel well. Stopping suddenly can cause serious
problems.
Treatment of Insomnia
Etizolam helps treat insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep) in
people who have problems related to their sleeping habits. Insomnia may cause
you to wake up earlier than usual and you may find it difficult to go back to
sleep. Etizolam works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep. This
helps you relax and feel more energetic. It also helps you concentrate better
and improves your quality of life.
Side effects of Etizolam
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Etiphen
- Altered libido
- Confusion
- Depression
- Drowsiness
- Fainting
- Headache
- Muscle coordination impaired
- Muscle weakness
- Sedation
- Slurred speech
- Tremors
- Visual impairment
How to use Etizolam
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Etizolam may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Etizolam works
Etizolam is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Quick tips
-
Take it as per dose and duration suggested by the doctor.
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The addiction / habit-forming potential of this medicine is less as compared to other benzodiazepines.
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It may cause dizziness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
-
Avoid consuming alcohol as it may increase dizziness and drowsiness.
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Do not take this medicine if you have a history of drug addiction or drug abuse.
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Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
-
Do not stop taking medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as that may lead to nausea, anxiety, agitation, flu-like symptoms, sweating, tremor, and confusion.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Etizolam if I’m pregnant?
Information regarding the use of Etizolam during pregnancy is not available. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Etizolam if I’m breastfeeding?
Information regarding the use of Etizolam during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Etizolam safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Etizolam. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Etizolam?
Etizolam may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. The most common side-effects of Etizolam are related to sedation and musculoskeletal relaxation. It may impair your driving ability.
KidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Etizolam if I have/had kidney diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Etizolam in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Etizolam if I have/had liver diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Etizolam in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does Etizolam have abuse potential?
Yes, there are several reports mentioning the abuse potential of Etizolam. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients prone to drug abuse.
Q. What are the advantages of Etizolam over other benzodiazepines (BZDs)?
As compared to other benzodiazepines, Etizolam has lesser sedative effects, lower dependence, and lower tolerance. However, long-term use can reduce the effectivity of the medicine and may cause dependence and addiction.
Q. What happens if you stop taking Etizolam suddenly?
Stopping Etizolam suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms which may include anxiety, insomnia, headache, dizziness, ringing sound in ear (tinnitus), eating disorder (anorexia), vomiting, nausea, tremor, weakness, excessive sweating (perspiration), irritability, hypersensitivity to visual and auditory stimuli. Stopping the medicine suddenly may also cause palpitations, fast heart rate and postural hypotension (drop in blood pressure on standing). In severe and rare cases of withdrawal from high doses, patients may develop seizures, mental disorder (psychosis), agitation, confusion, and hallucinations.
Q. How long does Etizolam take to work?
Oral doses of Etizolam begin working within 30-60 minutes and peak at 3-4 hours. The medicine remains in the body for 6-8 hours although higher doses can last longer.
Q. Is Etizolam a muscle relaxant?
Yes, like benzodiazepines, it causes muscle relaxation, but otherwise it is mainly used for anxiety.
Q. Is Etizolam good for sleep?
Like other benzodiazepines, it causes sleepiness but is mainly used for anxiety disorder. It increases total sleep time and decreases the proportion of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, wherein your eyes move quickly in different directions. Etizolam had no effect on sleep latency (amount of time it takes you to go from being fully awake to being asleep).
Q. Is Etizolam an antidepressant?
No, Etizolam is not an antidepressant. It is used for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder with depressive symptoms. But, it may affect patient's mood.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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