Drug Notes

Triazolam (By mouth)

Triazolam (trye-AZ-oh-lam)

Treats insomnia.

Brand Name(s):

Halcion

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Use this medicine only when you cannot sleep. You do not need to keep a schedule for taking it.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.
• This medicine is usually taken just before bedtime, or when you are having trouble falling asleep. You should not take this medicine if you are not able to sleep or rest for 7 to 8 hours before you need to be active again.
• Do not take this medicine with or right after a meal.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

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 use this medicine if you are also using itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, or HIV medicines (indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir).
• Some foods and medicines can affect how triazolam works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:
  • Amiodarone, cimetidine, cyclosporine, diltiazem, ergotamine, fluvoxamine, isoniazid, nicardipine, nifedipine, paroxetine, ranitidine, sertraline, verapamil
  • Antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin)
  • Birth control pills
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
• 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:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, breathing problems, sleep apnea, lung disease, or a history of seizures. Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression, mental illness, or drug or alcohol addiction.
• Tell your doctor if you develop any unusual thoughts or behaviors. This includes aggressive behavior, confusion, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there), anxiety, depression, or thoughts of hurting yourself.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy, especially first thing the next morning. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine may cause you to do things while you are still asleep that you may not remember the next morning, such as driving a car, having sex, or eating food. Tell your doctor right away if you learn that this has happened.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working. You might have side effects for 1 or 2 days if you suddenly stop using this medicine, including stomach cramps, vomiting, shaking, and trouble sleeping.
• Call your doctor if you still have trouble sleeping after you take this medicine for 7 to 10 days.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

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, confusion, depression, irritability, nervousness, or mood or behavior changes
• Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• Thoughts of suicide

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

• Drowsiness, dizziness, or weakness
• 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

Last Updated: 1/27/2017