Estazolam vs. Butisol for Insomnia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

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.

Estazolam

(Prosom)

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Butisol

(butabarbital)

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Summary for Estazolam

Prescription only

Estazolam (Prosom) is a sleeping pill that can help adults with insomnia fall asleep and stay asleep. It's a benzodiazepine medication that's not a first-choice treatment option for trouble sleeping, and it's only meant for short-term use since it can be habit-forming. It comes as a tablet that you take by mouth right before you get into bed. It's only available as a generic since the brand-name medication, Prosom, is no longer on the market. In addition to causing sleepiness, other common side effects can include headache, weakness, and nervousness.

Indications for Estazolam

Short-term treatment of insomnia

Pros and Cons for Estazolam

Pros

Helps you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night
Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Don't need to take every day for it to work well

Cons

Is a controlled substance, so there is a risk for misuse and dependency
Can cause sleep-driving or unusual behaviors during sleep
Might not be safe in older adults since it raises the risk of falls

Common Side Effects for Estazolam

Sleepiness (42%)
Headache (16%)
Weakness (11%)
Slow muscle movement (8%)
Nervousness (8%)
Dizziness (7%)
General discomfort (5%)

Warnings for Estazolam

Sedation and difficulty breathing
Misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
Effect on driving and concentration
Severe allergic reaction
Abnormal behaviors during sleep
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Summary for Butisol

Discontinued

Butisol (butabarbital) is a fast-acting sleep medication. It's not a first choice treatment option and has been discontinued. Both brand and generic options are no longer available in the U.S.