Triazolam

Generic name: Triazolam
Brand names: Halcion
Dosage form: oral tablet (0.125 mg; 0.25 mg)
Drug class: Benzodiazepines

Usage of Triazolam

Triazolam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used short term (7 to 10 days) to treat insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep).

Triazolam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Triazolam side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Triazolam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Triazolam may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

daytime anxiety;

unusual changes in mood or behavior;

confusion, memory loss, agitation, hallucinations; or

depression, suicidal thoughts.

Some people using triazolam have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. Tell your doctor if this happens to you.

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

Common side effects of triazolam may include:

drowsiness;

loss of coordination;

dizziness; or

feeling light-headed.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Triazolam

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to triazolam or similar medicines (such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, Valium, Xanax, Versed, Klonopin, and others).

Some drugs should not be used with triazolam. Your treatment plan may change if you also use:

nefazodone;

cancer medicine;

an antibiotic or antifungal medicine; or

antiviral medicine to treat HIV or hepatitis C.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts or actions;

lung disease, breathing problems, sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep); or

alcoholism or drug addiction.

If you use triazolam during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.

You should not breastfeed within 28 hours after using triazolam. If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out the milk and do not feed it to your baby.

If you do breastfeed, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness, breathing problems, or feeding problems in the nursing baby.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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How to use Triazolam

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:

Initial dose: 0.25 mg orally once a day at bedtimeMaintenance dose: 0.125 to 0.25 mg orally once a day at bedtimeMaximum dose: 0.5 mg/dayDuration of therapy: 7 to 10 daysComments: -Failure to respond after 7 to 10 days may suggest a primary psychiatric and/or medical illness that requires further evaluation.-Use of this drug for more than 2 to 3 weeks requires complete reevaluation of the patient.Use: Short-term treatment of insomnia

Usual Geriatric Dose for Insomnia:

Initial dose: 0.125 mg orally once a day at bedtimeMaintenance dose: 0.125 to 0.25 mg orally once a day at bedtimeMaximum dose: 0.25 mg/dayDuration of therapy: 7 to 10 daysComments:-Failure to respond after 7 to 10 days may suggest a primary psychiatric and/or medical illness that requires further evaluation.-Use of this drug for more than 2 to 3 weeks requires complete reevaluation of the patient.-The lowest effective dose should be used to minimize the potential for oversedation.Use: Short-term treatment of insomnia

Warnings

Triazolam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol.

MISUSE OF triazolam CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep this medicine where others cannot get to it.

Do not stop using triazolam without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.

Get medical help right away if you stop using triazolam and have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts about suicide.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some drugs should not be used with triazolam.

What other drugs will affect Triazolam

Using triazolam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Many drugs can affect triazolam, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

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