Prosom Addiction and Abuse

Prosom is the brand name of a drug called estazolam, which is prescribed to treat insomnia. Brand-name Prosom isn’t currently on the market in the U.S., but generic versions of estazolam may be. Estazolam is a short-term medication, classified as a benzodiazepine. Other benzodiazepines include alprazolam, clonazepam and diazepam. Prosom is also a hypnotic, and it has muscle relaxant and anti-convulsive properties. It is also a sedative. Prosom is classified as an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine, and it works like other drugs in this class. Benzodiazepines are believed to act on GABA receptors, creating a calming effect on neuron activity. This then allows the person taking it to feel drowsier, more relaxed and less anxious. More specifically, benzodiazepines like estazolam work by changing how the brain releases and reabsorbs GABA, which is a calming neurotransmitter.

Insomnia is a common condition that affects many people in the U.S. Insomnia symptoms include trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Insomnia, particularly if it’s a chronic condition, can cause impairment during the day. People with insomnia may experience fatigue, memory impairment, loss of concentration, loss of motivation, declines in overall functioning, stomach problems and anxiety.

While Prosom does have some therapeutic benefits, it is meant to treat only short-term insomnia. The best course of action for patients using Prosom is to take it for no more than a few weeks and then to move into a non-prescription sleep management plan. In some cases, Prosom may also be given to patients before they have surgery or operations. Side effects of Prosom can include feeling drowsy during the day, memory problems, issues with balance and coordination, nausea, dry mouth, headache and muscle weakness.

Benzodiazepines are one of the most widely prescribed drug classes in the U.S., but, unfortunately, they do have side effects and risks. Abuse is one of the biggest concerns with benzos like Prosom. Using these mind-altering drugs can trigger a reward response in the brain. The brain associates the use of Prosom or another benzodiazepine with a sense of pleasure. The brain is designed to continue seeking out what created the pleasurable experience, which is how addiction develops. Prosom is addictive, and addiction often begins with abuse.
Prosom abuse refers to a scenario in which someone uses this medication in a way other than what is prescribed. For example, taking Prosom more often or in larger doses than a physician has directed can be described as abuse. Taking Prosom without a prescription is always considered abuse. Another form of Prosom abuse occurs if someone purposely combines the medication with other substances, such as alcohol or opioids, to increase the effects. It’s possible to develop a Prosom addiction without abusing the drug and when taking it as prescribed, but Prosom addiction is more likely to follow a pattern of abuse. Along with the reward response that can occur with Prosom, some people may become addicted to the sense of relaxation they feel when taking it.

The longer someone uses Prosom or other benzos intended for short-term use, the more likely that person is to become addicted to them. When someone takes a benzo for longer than a month, the risk of addiction becomes significantly higher, as does the potential for physical dependence. Physical dependence is different from addiction. When someone is dependent on something like Prosom, their body starts to see its presence as normal. Without Prosom, a person who is dependent on that drug will likely go through withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are reflective of the body and brain trying to readjust without the drug. A person can be dependent on Prosom without being addicted.

Something else to note when discussing Prosom addiction and abuse are the risks of combining the drug with other substances. The majority of drug overdoses and related ER visits involve a benzodiazepine. Benzos slow the central nervous system, as do substances like alcohol and prescription opioids. If a person combines Prosom with alcohol or another CNS depressant, their risk of overdose becomes higher.

If you or a loved one is struggling with Prosom addiction or abuse, or any other substance use disorder, The Recovery Village can help. Please contact us. We can answer questions you may have about addiction, treatment and insurance coverage.