Key takeaways
Estazolam (formerly branded as Prosom) and flurazepam (formerly branded Dalmane) are both benzodiazepines used to treat insomnia, but they have some differences. Estazolam is typically taken at a starting dose of 1 mg at bedtime, while flurazepam's starting dose is either 15 mg or 30 mg, with lower doses recommended for females and older adults. Estazolam and flurazepam are only recommended for short-term use due to their potential for habit-forming. Both medications can cause side effects like sleepiness and dizziness, but flurazepam also commonly causes stomach issues like nausea and heartburn. Additionally, both medications can lead to dangerous sleep behaviors like sleepwalking and sleep-driving, but flurazepam has a higher risk of causing behavioral changes and mood swings. Neither medication is recommended during pregnancy, and both should be used with caution to avoid dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
