Triazolam is a sleeping pill. It helps you sleep if you have problems sleeping (also known as insomnia).
Take Triazolam exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Do not take Triazolam for a longer period of time than instructed by your doctor. See your doctor if Triazolam does not seem to help you.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Take it just before you go to bed.
If you are taking Triazolam over a certain period of time, do not stop taking it unless instructed otherwise as stopping it suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms such as headache, restlessness, confusion, depression and anxiety. Your doctor will reduce the dose of Triazolam gradually before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Triazolam is used to help you sleep. You may not need to take it everyday. Take it only when you need it. If you miss a dose, take it at your next scheduled dose.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Do not take Triazolam if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take Triazolam with medicine to treat fungal infections, mood disorders and HIV medicines. Please see section “Can I take this with other medicines?” below for more information.
Do not give Triazolam to children, unless specifically instructed by the child's doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- respiratory disease
- history of drug abuse
- depression or history of depression
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Take Triazolam only when you need to. Try not to make a habit of relying on this medicine to help you sleep.
Practise good sleeping habits to reduce reliance on sleeping pills. These are some good sleeping habits which you should follow:
- Try to relax before bedtime. Do not engage in strenuous activities.
- Try to go to bed at about the same time every night.
- Have a light dinner. A heavy dinner may disturb your sleep.
- Avoid caffeine in the evening. Caffeine-containing food and drink include coffee, tea, certain soft drinks and even chocolate.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before bedtime.
- Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and airy.
- Avoid taking naps especially in the late afternoon.
Triazolam may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, lightheadedness, nervousness, vomiting and nausea. It may also cause abnormal activities during sleep, such as driving, cooking, eating and walking while you are still asleep. Alert your doctor quickly if this happens.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- confusion
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Triazolam with the following medicines:
- medicines for fungal infections e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole
- HIV medicines e.g. ritonavir, saquinavir
- medicine for mood disorders e.g. nefazodone
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. fluvoxamine, sertraline, paroxetine
- antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, isoniazid
- heart or blood pressure medicines e.g. diltiazem, nifedipine, nicardipine, verapamil
- gastric medicine e.g. cimetidine
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Triazolam.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid grapefruit juice as it may result in increased effects of Triazolam.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.