Etizola 0.25 Tablet

The active ingredient in Etizola is a drug called Etizolam 0.25mg. Etizolam belongs to a group of drugs called thieno diazepine, a benzodiazepine analogue.

Etizola is a prescription medication used to manage anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia. The uses of Etizola are mainly for anxiety and difficulty sleeping (insomnia). Anxiety disorder is a condition where feelings of fear and stress are predominant in one’s daily life and interfere with daily activities.

Common symptoms include a raised heart rate, increased sweating, difficulty breathing, and inability to sleep at night. These are accompanied by an overall feeling of stress and unease. This medication is primarily used to treat during the short term.

The medication should be taken as recommended by the doctor. It is also recommended to complete the entire course of the medication as prescribed by the treating physician and not abruptly stop taking the drug. The side effects of Etizola are increased when it is used in combination with other substances such as opioids.

It is not to be taken with other medications without consulting a medical practitioner.

Dosage

Overdose

• Classic symptoms include slurred speech, ataxia, and altered mental status. Respiratory compromise is uncommon in isolated benzodiazepine ingestions, but if taken with other CNS depressants such as ethanol or other drugs/medications, respiratory depression can be noted. In a suspected overdose, rush the patient to a tertiary care hospital for immediate management and treatment.

Missed a Dose

If you miss a dose of this tablet, it is advised to take it as soon as possible. If the duration missed is too long, and it is almost time for the next dose, it is recommended to skip the missed dose and go back to the regular schedule. Do not double the dose of the tablet.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

The mechanism of action is similar to benzodiazepines. Etizolam produces sedating and calming effects in users by acting on the brain to increase the inhibitory effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma aminobutyric acidentiregamma-aminobutyric). Neurotransmitters are chemical agents that work along brain pathways as messengers to produce specific actions. GABA predominantly produces inhibitory effects, and hence this drug produces sedating, anti-anxiety, calming effects by promoting the effects of GABA. The effects generally last for about six to eight hours.

Directions for Use

• This medication should be taken as prescribed by the treating physician.
• Swallow this medication as a whole. Do not crush, chew or break this tablet.
• It is recommended to finish the full course of this medication as prescribed by your treating doctor. Abrupt stoppage of the drug can cause withdrawal side effects. Consult your doctor before stopping this medication.
• This medication should not be mixed with alcohol.
• Inform your doctor regarding other medications you may be taking in order to review and prevent any drug interaction-associated effects.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Etizola during pregnancy?

This medication is considered unsafe during pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor regarding your pregnancy or your intention to conceive at the time of prescription.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Etizola while breastfeeding?

This medication is considered unsafe during breastfeeding. Talk to your physician for more information.

Driving

Can I drive if I have taken Etizola?

This medication can cause sedation, drowsiness, and decreased muscle coordination. Driving and operating heavy machinery while on this medication are not recommended.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with the Etizola?

No, mixing alcohol with this medication can cause sedation, respiratory depression and even coma. It is strongly contraindicated.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• Discuss any history of substance misuse or any previous psychiatric illness.
• In case of any side effects, consult your doctor before stopping the medication.

Contraindications

Myasthenia Gravis (a type of muscle weakness) Coma Acute Pulmonary Insufficiency (a condition affecting the heart valves) Sleep Apnoea (a breathing disorder) Severe Liver Disease Acute Narrow-Angle Glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes) Chronic Psychiatric Illness Porphyria Hypotension Patients With History Of Alcohol Or Substance Abuse Patients With Suicidal Ideation Impaired Kidney Function

Side effects

• Confusion
• Amnesia (memory problems)
• Drowsiness and dizziness
• Ataxia (poor coordination)
• Depression
• Slurring of speech
• Loss Or Changes In sex drive
• Tremor
• Muscle Weakness
• Long term use can cause blepharospasm, especially in women (abnormal twitching of eyelid)
• Sudden stoppage of this medication can cause withdrawal symptoms

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Itraconazole and fluvoxamine slow down the elimination rate of etizolam, leading to the accumulation of etizolam, therefore increasing its pharmacological effects.
• Carbamazepine speeds up the metabolism of etizolam, resulting in reduced pharmacological effects.
• Etizolam may interact with sedatives, CNS depressants, anti-depressant, sedating antihistamines, anti-psychotics, disulfiram, clozapine, cisapride, opioid analgesics, diazoxide, cimetidine, proton-pump inhibitors, muscle relaxants, ACE II inhibitors, alcohol, beta-blockers, anti-epileptics and sodium nitroprusside, but limited data is available.
• Inform your doctor regarding your current medications at the time of prescription of Etizola.

Interactions with food items

• This medication should be taken with food within 15-30 minutes of intake.

Storage and disposal

Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets. It is best to keep your medicines in well-ventilated rooms, away from heat and humidity. Avoid bathrooms to keep medicines, as there is moisture. Do not store medicine post the expiration dateprescription time in case of any side effectsConsult and dispose of it appropriately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does this medicine have habit forming properties?

Compared to other benzodiazepines, Etizolam has decreased dependence rates. However, long term usage can cause dependence. Talk to your doctor for more information. Inform your doctor if you have past history of addiction.

I am taking Etizola and I have not got my period. What should I do?

• Etizola does not affect menstruation. If you feel you might be pregnant please consult your doctor immediately so you can get tested. Etizola is not recommended during pregnancy. Your doctor will guide you on what to do next. Do not stop the tablet on your own as this can increase symptoms.