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 Valium®, Dalmane®, or Restoril®).

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

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