Prosom Side Effects

Generic name: estazolam

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 25, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Prosom Side Effects associated with estazolam. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Prosom.

Applies to estazolam: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away. Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine.

Do not take itraconazole (Sporanox®) or ketoconazole (Nizoral®) while you are using this medicine. Taking these medicines together with estazolam (the active ingredient contained in Prosom) may increase the chance of serious side effects.

This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.

This medicine may cause some people, especially older persons, to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally. Even though estazolam is taken at bedtime, it may cause some people to feel drowsy or less alert the next morning. Make sure you know how you react to estazolam before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, not alert, or not able to think or see well.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

Symptoms of an overdose include: change in consciousness, difficult or trouble breathing, difficulty with coordination, irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing, loss of consciousness, mood or mental changes, pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin, sleepiness or unusual drowsiness, or slurred speech. Call your doctor right away if you notice these symptoms.

If you develop any unusual or strange thoughts and behavior while taking estazolam, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. Some changes that have occurred in people taking this medicine are like those seen in people who drink too much alcohol. Other changes might be confusion, worsening of depression, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there), suicidal thoughts, and unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability.

This medicine may cause sleep-related behaviors including driving a car (sleep-driving), walking (sleep-walking), having sex, making phone calls, or preparing and eating food while you are asleep or not fully awake. If these reactions occur, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, barbiturates (used for seizures), muscle relaxants, or anesthetics (numbing medicines), including some dental anesthetics. This effect may last for a few days after you Stop taking estazolam. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine.

Do not Stop taking estazolam without checking with your doctor first. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely. This may help prevent a worsening of your condition and reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations, seizures, stomach or muscle cramps, tremors, or unusual behavior.

Avoid smoking while you are using this medicine.

If your condition does not improve within 7 to 10 days, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Prosom

Along with its needed effects, estazolam may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking estazolam:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking estazolam:

Symptoms of overdose

• change in consciousness
• irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• slurred speech

Other side effects of Prosom

Some side effects of estazolam may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to estazolam: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were somnolence, hypokinesia, dizziness, and abnormal coordination.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Allergic reaction^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Somnolence (42%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety, depression, abnormal dream, abnormal thinking
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Agitation, apathy, emotional lability, euphoria, hostility, sleep disorder
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hallucinations^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (16%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypokinesia, nervousness, dizziness, abnormal coordination, hangover, confusion
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Amnesia, paresthesia, seizure, stupor, twitch
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Ataxia, circumoral paresthesia, decreased reflexes, neuritis, nystagmus, tremor
• Frequency not reported: Minor changes in EEG patterns^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Increased SGOT^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Asthenia (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Malaise, body pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Chills, fever, ear pain, perverse taste, tinnitus
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Edema, decreased hearing^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Cold symptoms, pharyngitis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Asthma, cough, dyspnea, rhinitis, sinusitis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Epistaxis, hyperventilation, laryngitis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, dry mouth, nausea, dyspepsia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Decreased appetite, flatulence, gastritis, increased appetite, vomiting
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Enterocolitis, melena, ulceration of the mouth^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Flushing, palpitation
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Arrhythmia, syncope^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, sweating, urticaria
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Acne, dry skin
• Postmarketing reports: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, photosensitivity^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Thyroid nodule^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Frequent urination, menstrual cramps, urinary hesitancy, urinary urgency, vaginal discharge/itching
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Swollen breast, decreased libido, hematuria, nocturia, oliguria, penile discharge, urinary incontinence^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Leukopenia, purpura, swollen lymph nodes
• Postmarketing reports: Agranulocytosis^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Thirst
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Weight gain, weight loss^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Lower extremity pain, back pain, stiffness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Neck pain, upper extremity pain, arthritis, muscle spasm, myalgia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Jaw pain, arthralgia^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abnormal vision, eye irritation, eye pain, eye swelling, photophobia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Diplopia, scotomata^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Prosom side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer