Etizolam
Information about Etizolam
Etizolam uses
Etizolam is used in the treatment of short term anxiety and insomnia.
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.
Common side effects of etizolam
Headache, Muscle coordination impaired, Slurred speech, Muscle weakness, Altered libido, Depression, Sedation, Confusion, Drowsiness, Fainting, Visual disturbance, Tremor
Content Details
Last updated on:
16 Oct 2019 | 01:30 PM (IST)
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Expert advice for Etizolam
- Take it as per dose and duration suggested by the doctor.
- The addiction / habit-forming potential of this medicine is less as compared to other benzodiazepines.
- 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.
- Do not take this medicine if you have a history of drug addiction or drug abuse.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions for Etizolam
Etizolam
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.