Prosom Symptoms and Warning Signs

Prosom is a brand name of the intermediate-acting oral benzodiazepine, Estazolam. It is a medication that can only be legally acquired via a doctor’s prescription. Being an anti-convulsant, sedative and muscle relaxant, ProSom is typically prescribed for the treatment of insomnia symptoms.

Because of its high potential for abuse and addiction, ProSom is classified as a Class C drug in the UK and a Schedule IV substance in the US.

Prosom Abuse

The nature of ProSom makes abusing the drug and developing an addiction or dependency to it really easy. ProSom abuse occurs more frequently amongst individuals who were originally prescribed the drug by their doctor, and have over time come to develop a physical dependence. This is why the drug is typically prescribed for a short period of use – usually seven to ten days. Using the drug for any longer greatly increases the risk of dependence.

People abusing ProSom tend to misuse the drug by using the medication in increasingly higher doses over an extended period of time. They might also abuse the drug by combining it with alcohol or other substances, or use it in a manner contrary to doctor’s instructions. If you’ve been prescribed ProSom, you’re more likely to abuse the drug or become addicted to it if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.

The habit-forming nature of ProSom and its pleasant, calming effect on the human brain offers some insight as to why the drug is commonly abused. Even if you follow your doctor’s instructions, there is still a very real possibility that you might develop a physical or psychological dependence on the drug.

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Signs and Symptoms of ProSom Abuse

People who are prescribed ProSom often don’t realise they’re abusing the drug until it’s too late and they’ve developed a physical dependence. To prevent such an outcome, it’s important to be able to identify the primary signs and symptoms of ProSom abuse. Some easily identifiable symptoms include:

  • Combining ProSom with alcohol, opioids, or other substances to enhance the effects
  • Using ProSom in ways other than directed, such as chewing or snorting it
  • Taking increasing larger doses of ProSom
  • Taking ProSom more often than what has been prescribed
  • Using ProSom without a prescription

Physical symptoms of abuse can also manifest. They include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Changes in personality
  • Weakness
  • Depression
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Hallucinations
  • Heart palpitations
  • Irritability
  • Lack of judgment
  • Memory loss
  • Panic attacks
  • Problems with motor coordination
  • Slurred speech

ProSom Addiction and Dependence

Being a prescription only medication for the short-term treatment of insomnia, purchasing ProSom without a prescription is illegal. This is because of ProSom’s high potential for abuse and addiction. Using the drug for any longer than prescribed by a doctor puts you at great risk of developing an addiction.

When ProSom enters your system, it triggers a reward response in your brain, which leads to pleasurable sensations. Continued use of ProSom over an extended period of time will cause your brain to adapt to the influence of the drug, which in turn leads to addiction. An addiction to ProSom is characterised by out-of-control, compulsive drug-seeking behaviour and misuse of said drug. While the risk of addiction is high, not everyone who uses or misuses the drug will develop an addiction, though they may develop a physical dependence.

Physical dependence is distinct from addiction. If you’ve been abusing ProSom, you could be physically dependent on the drug without been addicted to it. Once physical dependence has taken hold and you attempt to suddenly stop using the drug, your body will likely manifest withdrawal symptoms as it struggles to return to a normal state.

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Withdrawal symptoms may vary in severity, depending on how long you’ve been abusing ProSom and if you were taking it alongside other substances. Regardless the severity of withdrawal, a tapering schedule combined with a medical detox can be provided to minimise your symptoms and help you quit ProSom safely.

Addiction is a chronic brain disease, whose symptoms are distinct from those of substance abuse. Below are symptoms you will likely exhibit if you’ve developed ProSom addiction:

  • Compulsive drug-seeking behaviours
  • Continued ProSom use, despite being aware of the negative consequences
  • Declining performance at work or school
  • ‘Doctor shopping’ to obtain multiple prescriptions
  • Spending more time thinking about ProSom, trying to obtain more, or recovering from the effects of taking it
  • Several attempted and unsuccessful efforts to quit using ProSom
  • Isolating oneself from friends, family and responsibilities

ProSom Abuse Withdrawal Symptoms

As you continue to abuse ProSom, your body will gradually develop dependence to the drug. This will give rise to a variety of symptoms that are related to ProSom abuse and withdrawal. Knowing these symptoms and how uncomfortable and painful they can be should serve as an incentive for you to avoid using ProSom in a manner that can lead to dependence.

Commonly reported ProSom withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Diarrhoea
  • Dizzy Spells
  • Fever
  • Hallucinations
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Memory Loss
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Panic Attacks
  • Rapid Heartbeat
  • Restlessness
  • Seizures
  • Sensitivity to Light or Sound
  • Tension
  • Tingling and Numbness

The intensity of the above mentioned symptoms will vary from person to person and from circumstance to circumstance. For instance, people who have been abusing ProSom for a longer period of time – or have been mixing the drug with alcohol or other substances – will likely experience more severe withdrawal symptoms and for a lengthier duration.

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Long-term Side Effects of ProSom Abuse

Abusing ProSom over a long-term period can lead to the emergence of the following side effects:

  • Anxiety
  • Tremors
  • Headaches
  • Changes in appetite
  • Rebound insomnia
  • Memory problems

The Effects of Mixing ProSom and Alcohol

Consuming alcohol in relatively small amounts and infrequently can be safe. However, if taken excessively, alcohol abuse can induce negative short or long-term consequences. This is because alcohol influences certain brain neurotransmitter receptors, including GABA receptors and dopamine. Influencing these receptors can slow down your speech, movement, coordination, as well as cause feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and drowsiness. These effects are similar to those of ProSom.

Because both alcohol and ProSom are CNS (central nervous system) depressants, combining the two substances can profoundly amplify the short-term effects of each. This can cause you to become extremely intoxicated and uncoordinated, leading to poor motor coordination and slurred speech.
Furthermore, combining two CNS depressants can lead to severe respiratory depression; you could even stop breathing altogether. This is more probable if your combination of substances leads to an overdose – a potentially fatal event.

In the long run, the continued mixing of alcohol and ProSom can cause memory loss, ongoing fatigue, and mood swings. Such effects can combine to damage relationships with loved ones and affect your ability to fulfil everyday tasks. Mixing multiple substances also increases your likelihood of developing an addiction.

Simply put, combining alcohol and ProSom is a potentially dangerous habit that should be curtailed as soon as possible. The risk involved is also apparent if ProSom is mixed with other benzodiazepines, opioid prescription painkillers, or any other central nervous system depressant. For the sake of your mental and physical health, avoid mixing and abusing multiple substances (‘polydrug abuse’).

ProSom Overdose

How much ProSom it takes for an overdose to occur will vary from person to person. Factors such as physiology, age, tolerance, and overall health will all play a role. Most importantly, if you’re in the throes of a ProSom overdose, seek emergency medical treatment as soon as possible. You’ll know you are overdosing if you exhibit the following symptoms shortly after a large dose of ProSom:

  • Extreme drowsiness
  • Extreme loss of coordination
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Nausea
  • Pain
  • Problems breathing
  • Severe changes in mental condition
  • Vomiting

The most effective way to avoid a ProSom overdose is to use the drug only according to a doctor’s prescription. Combining the use of ProSom with alcohol, opioids, or other central nervous system depressants greatly increases the risk of an overdose. Therefore, let your doctor know if you’re taking any other medication, vitamins, or supplements if you’re being prescribed ProSom.

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ProSom Addiction Treatment Options

If addicted to ProSom – either due to prescribed use or recreational abuse – the safest way to beat your addiction is by seeking professional treatment at an addiction treatment facility, where a medically assisted detox and rehabilitation can be provided.

Such a facility will have the necessary expertise and amenities to help you make a full recovery, without any complications. After a comprehensive evaluation, a personalised treatment plan can be devised and applied to care for your unique needs.

Evaluation will be followed by a detoxification programme, via which your body will be aided in ridding itself of all ProSom related toxins. A medically assisted detoxification programme can be utilised to minimise withdrawal symptoms during the process and make your recovery less uncomfortable. During a medically assisted detox, you’ll be provided medication as necessary to alleviate Clonazepam withdrawal symptoms.

A gradual tapering process can also be applied to minimise your withdrawal symptoms during detox. This process will involve gradually and systematically weaning you off ProSom, instead of abruptly cutting you off the drug (‘cold turkey’). Quitting ProSom abuse via the ‘cold turkey’ approach is unsafe and can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.

Once detox has successfully been completed, it should be immediately followed by a rehabilitation programme to address the psychological aspects of your addiction. This can occur in either an inpatient rehab facility or an outpatient programme. Rehabilitation will make use of therapies such as counselling and behavioural therapies to help you recover and equip you with the necessary coping skills to prevent further abuse of ProSom.


FAQs

How is ProSom Used?

ProSom is used orally for the treatment of insomnia.

Who Abuses ProSom?

Anyone who is prescribed ProSom can potentially abuse it, especially if used beyond the prescribed dose or duration of usage. Teenagers and other demographics also abuse ProSom recreationally.

Is ProSom Harmful?

As with most other drugs, the use of ProSom comes with certain side effects, which include: depression, suicidal thoughts, confusion, hallucinations, anxiety, agitation, worsening sleep problem, memory problems, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, upset stomach, problems with movement or coordination, and headaches.

ProSom is more harmful when used contrary to prescription, such as taking larger doses than prescribed or combining it with substances like alcohol or opioid drugs. This can result in substance dependence, a possibly fatal overdose, and other physical harm.

How do People Abuse ProSom?

People abuse ProSom by using it beyond the prescribed dose, more frequently than advised, or by combining it with substances such as alcohol to heighten the drug’s effects.

Why is This Drug Addictive?

ProSom is addictive because of how it influences the chemical structure of your brain, especially triggering the production of neurotransmitters that lead to pleasurable sensations. This is due to benzodiazepine being an active component of ProSom.

What is an ideal ProSom addiction recovery plan?

An effective recovery plan for ProSom addiction is tapering, which involves a gradual reduction in dosage until you’re completely weaned off the drug.

Tapering is generally performed via either of the following methods:

  • A ProSom taper: reducing ProSom dosage gradually, until completely weaned off.
  • Replacement medication taper: This first replaces ProSom with a long-acting medication like diazepam or phenobarbital, before gradually reducing the dose of the replacement medication.

Detox is a crucial first step in making a full recovery, but the process is infinitely safer and effective if directly supervised by a medical professional – one who has the expertise to recommend medication as necessary and at the appropriate dosage to minimise withdrawal symptoms. A doctor can also offer tapering treatment that weans you off ProSom. The tapering duration is mostly dependent on the severity of your addiction and withdrawal symptoms

What is ProSom Dependence?

ProSom dependence occurs when your body has developed a high tolerance to and has become physically dependent on the influence of the drug to perform normally. A sign of ProSom dependence is your body manifesting withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit.

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