Etivar

Yes, there are several reports mentioning the abuse potential of Etivar 0.5 Tablet. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients prone to drug abuse.

As compared to other benzodiazepines, Etivar 0.5 Tablet has lesser sedative effects, lower dependence, and lower tolerance. However, long-term use can reduce the effectivity of the medicine and may cause dependence and addiction.

Stopping Etivar 0.5 Tablet suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms which may include anxiety, insomnia, headache, dizziness, ringing sound in ear (tinnitus), eating disorder (anorexia), vomiting, nausea, tremor, weakness, excessive sweating (perspiration), irritability, hypersensitivity to visual and auditory stimuli. Stopping the medicine suddenly may also cause palpitations, fast heart rate and postural hypotension (drop in blood pressure on standing). In severe and rare cases of withdrawal from high doses, patients may develop seizures, mental disorder (psychosis), agitation, confusion, and hallucinations.

Oral doses of Etivar 0.5 Tablet begin working within 30-60 minutes and peak at 3-4 hours. The medicine remains in the body for 6-8 hours although higher doses can last longer.

Yes, like benzodiazepines, it causes muscle relaxation, but otherwise it is mainly used for anxiety.

Like other benzodiazepines, it causes sleepiness but is mainly used for anxiety disorder. It increases total sleep time and decreases the proportion of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, wherein your eyes move quickly in different directions. Etivar 0.5 Tablet had no effect on sleep latency (amount of time it takes you to go from being fully awake to being asleep).

No, Etivar 0.5 Tablet is not an antidepressant. It is used for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder with depressive symptoms. But, it may affect patient's mood.