Triazolam (Oral)

Triazolam (By Mouth)

Triazolam (trye-AY-zoe-lam)

Treats insomnia (difficulty sleeping).Belongs to the group of drugs called benzodiazepines.

Brand Name(s):

Halcion
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to triazolam or to other medicines that are like triazolam (such as Valiumreg;, Dalmanereg;, or Restorilreg;).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

     
  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.  
  • Best taken on an empty stomach.

If a dose is missed:

     
  • Triazolam should be used only when you cannot sleep. You may skip a missed dose.  
  • You should not use two doses at the same time. Give the drug enough time to work.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

     
  • Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.  
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

     
  • Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.  
  • Check with your doctor before taking other drugs that could make you sleepy, such as pain medicine, tranquilizers, or cold or allergy medicine.  
  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

     
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking this medicine.  
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have glaucoma or liver, kidney, or lung disease before taking this medicine.  
  • This medicine may be habit-forming. You should not use more or take for longer periods of time than your doctor ordered. If you continue to have problems sleeping, check with your doctor.  
  • Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. You may need to take smaller and smaller doses before stopping completely.  
  • Older adults and children may be more sensitive to side effects.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

     
  • Depression or severe confusion  
  • Severe drowsiness and weakness  
  • Unsteadiness (having a hard time standing up)  
  • Slow heart beat  
  • Trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

     
  • Drowsiness, dizziness, clumsiness, or trouble concentrating  
  • Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation  
  • Blurred vision or headache  
  • Feeling “hungover” the next morning after bedtime use

Provided by ArmMed Media
Revision date: June 21, 2011
Last revised: by Janet A. Staessen, MD, PhD