Compare Estazolam vs. Butisol

Estazolam (Prosom) and butabarbital (Butisol) are both medications used to help with sleep, but they belong to different medication classes. Estazolam is a benzodiazepine, while butabarbital is a barbiturate. Both medications are controlled substances, with estazolam being a Schedule IV and butabarbital a Schedule III, indicating different levels of potential for misuse. Estazolam is still available as a generic medication, but butabarbital has been discontinued and is no longer available in the U.S. Estazolam is specifically FDA-approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia, whereas butabarbital was used for sleep but is not a first-choice treatment. Estazolam is taken as a tablet by mouth at bedtime, while butabarbital was known for its fast-acting properties. Common side effects of estazolam include sleepiness, headache, and dizziness, and it can cause unusual sleep behaviors. Butabarbital, on the other hand, was noted for its potential to be habit-forming.