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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Weaning Off Estazolam For Sleeping Recommended?

I am a RN and worked nights in the ER I would take 1mg estazolam to sleep. I was not been having any s/e but wanted to try sleeping with out it. I have not been above to sleep last 2 nights. Is this common, If i continue to not take it will by body readjust thank you
Tue, 3 Jun 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Estazolam is a sleeping tablet from a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. It is a good idea to stop this medication if you no longer need it for your shift work.
People using this type of tablet for more than a few days grow used to it (tolerance) and may need increasing doses to get the same effect. These types of medicines are also addictive so that when you stop taking them, you can have some withdrawal symptoms (like agitation, vivid dreams or nightmares) and it can be difficult to return to a normal sleep pattern.

I usually recommend that my patients reduce the dose gradually over a few weeks while using alternative methods of sleep promotion – getting exercise and sunlight in the daytime, making the bedroom comfortable and dark, drinking some milk or chamomile tea before bed, or using meditation/relaxation exercises.

While it can be a difficult period, most people manage to wean themselves off successfully – good luck!!
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Is Weaning Off Estazolam For Sleeping Recommended?

Estazolam is a sleeping tablet from a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. It is a good idea to stop this medication if you no longer need it for your shift work. People using this type of tablet for more than a few days grow used to it (tolerance) and may need increasing doses to get the same effect. These types of medicines are also addictive so that when you stop taking them, you can have some withdrawal symptoms (like agitation, vivid dreams or nightmares) and it can be difficult to return to a normal sleep pattern. I usually recommend that my patients reduce the dose gradually over a few weeks while using alternative methods of sleep promotion – getting exercise and sunlight in the daytime, making the bedroom comfortable and dark, drinking some milk or chamomile tea before bed, or using meditation/relaxation exercises. While it can be a difficult period, most people manage to wean themselves off successfully – good luck!!