Triazolam (By mouth)

Introduction

Triazolam (trye-AZ-oh-lam)

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

Brand Name(s)

Halcion

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.This medicine is usually taken just before bedtime, or when you are having trouble falling asleep.
• It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one.

If a dose is missed:

• Use this medicine only when you cannot sleep. You do not need to keep a regular dosage schedule for taking it. Do not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

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

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using birth control pills, amiodarone (Cordarone®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), cyclosporine (Neoral®), diltiazem (Cardizem®), ergotamine (Ergostat®), fluvoxamine (Luvox®), isoniazid (Nydrazid®), nicardipine (Cardene®), nifedipine (Procardia®), paroxetine (Paxil®), ranitidine (Zantac®), sertraline (Zoloft®), verapamil (Isoptin®), or medicines to treat an infection (such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, Ery-tab®, or Biaxin®).
• Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have depression, mental problems, liver disease, kidney disease, or breathing problems or lung disease, including a condition called sleep apnea. Tell your doctor if you also have a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction.
• This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have itching, hives, trouble breathing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth when you take this medicine.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. This medicine may also cause sleep-related behaviors such as sleep-driving, making phone calls, or preparing and eating food while asleep or not fully awake. If these reactions occur, tell your doctor right away.
• This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.If you continue to have problems sleeping, check with your doctor.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it 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:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Anxiety, irritability, nervousness, or mood or behavior changes.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Chest pain.
• Depression or severe confusion.
• Severe drowsiness and weakness.
• Slow or fast heartbeat.
• Unsteadiness (having a hard time standing up).
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

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

• Blurred vision or headache.
• Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, clumsiness, or trouble concentrating.
• Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
• Feeling "hungover" the next morning after bedtime use.
• Memory loss.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088