Q. Is long-term use of Etizolam harmful?
Hi doctor,
I was prescribed Etizolam 0.5 mg and Escitalopram for a month, as I had insomnia, stress, and anxiety. However, during the last week, it did not seem to work. I was struggling with sleep. Is it possible that I become addicted to the drug? Will I need a higher dose to get the same effect? Is long-term use of this medicine harmful?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Etizolam is not a sleep medicine but an anxiolytic. Long-term use of benzodiazepines like Etizolam is not advisable because of tolerance and addiction potential. They are used for a short-term to support the main medications like Escitalopram, which need to be taken for a long-term. If you have insomnia, you can discuss with your psychiatrist regarding adding short-term Clonazepam or Lorazepam. The dose of Escitalopram can also be increased. Besides, follow the steps of sleep hygiene. Sleeping and waking up at the regular time. Avoid caffeinated drinks at least 8 hours before sleeping. Avoid using TV, mobile, laptop, etc., at least half an hour before sleep. Instead, do relaxing activities like taking a shower. Avoid taking refined sugars and high-protein diet at night. Use your bed only for sleeping, that is, do not eat or watch TV on it. Do not take a nap during the day. Practice relaxation techniques like breath relaxation exercise daily, as it will help you relax and focus and eases your anxiety. Do not check the time repeatedly after lying down. Remember every problem has a solution, you just need to try solving it and help is just a step away. Feel free to ask if you have any further queries. Thank you.
Was this answer helpful?
|Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions:
I suffer from insomnia. What can be done to get a good sleep?
.. that you have been in trouble with sleep disturbances for a quite long time. Also, it appears that you have difficulty in the onset of sleep rather than difficulty in maintaining the sleep. Before proceeding to management, I would like to know few thin Read full
How to overcome insomnia and memory problems?.. gone through your complaint. From what you have mentioned, it seems that you may be suffering from anxiety or stress related disorders. The symptoms that points towards anxiety or stress related disorders include tremors, twitching, sweating, insomnia, Read full
Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD)that worsens with life stressors with the occurrence of negative life events ... stress of GAD ... Read full
Also Read Answers From:
Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case
iCliniq's FREE Newsletters
Expert-backed health and wellness information, delivered to your email.
Thank you for subscribing to our Newsletters!
Also Read
PCOS and Liver Problems
The hormonal imbalances in polycystic ovary syndrome could cause liver diseases. Read the article to know the relationship between these medical conditions. Read more»
Inferior Alveolar Nerve Lateralization Technique
The inferior alveolar nerve lateralization technique is a surgical lateralization technique to reposition the nerve. Read the article to know more about this. Read more»
COVID-19 and Ebola: Similarities and Differences
This article gives a comparison and broader overview of the outbreak of the two deadliest diseases that showed a greater incidence over the last two decades. Read more»
Ask your health query to a doctor online?
Ask a Psychiatrist Now* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.