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Halcion, |Halcion

Halcion

Generic Name: triazolam (trye AY zoe lam)
Brand Names: Halcion

What is triazolam?

Triazolam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Triazolam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems (insomnia).

Triazolam is used to treat insomnia symptoms, such as trouble falling or staying asleep.

Triazolam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about triazolam?

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking triazolam and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

Before taking triazolam, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by triazolam.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking triazolam?

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking triazolam and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

Before taking triazolam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;

• glaucoma;

• kidney or liver disease;

• myasthenia gravis;

• a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or

• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use triazolam, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

The sedative effects of triazolam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking triazolam.

How should I take triazolam?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your insomnia symptoms may return when you stop using triazolam after using it over a long period of time. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Keep track of how many tablets have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Benzodiazepines are drugs of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since triazolam is taken as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule. Take triazolam only when you have time for several hours of sleep.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a triazolam overdose may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, slurred speech, tremors, a slow heartbeat, shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizure (black-out or convulsions), or coma.

What should I avoid while taking triazolam?

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by triazolam.

Triazolam side effects

• weak or shallow breathing;

• fast or pounding heartbeats;

• confusion, slurred speech, unusual thoughts or behavior;

• hallucinations, agitation, aggression;

• thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;

• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;

• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• problems with urination; or

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Continue taking triazolam and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• daytime drowsiness (or during hours when you are not normally sleeping);

• amnesia or forgetfulness;

• muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination;

• numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling;

• headache, blurred vision, depressed mood;

• feeling nervous, excited, or irritable;

• nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort; or

• dry mouth, increased thirst.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect triazolam?

Before taking triazolam, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:

• birth control pills;

• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);

• grapefruit juice;

• ranitidine (Zantac);

• antiobiotics such as isoniazid, itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral);

• antidepressants such as fluvoxamine (Luvox), nefazodone (Serzone), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft);

• ergotamine (Ergomar, Ergostat, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine); or

• heart medications such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), diltiazem (Cardizem, Tartia, Tiazac), nicardipine (Cardene), nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), or verapamil (Calan, Covera).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use triazolam, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect triazolam. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about triazolam written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Triazolam is available with a prescription under the brand name Halcion. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Halcion 0.125 mg--white, elliptical tablets

• Halcion 0.25 mg--powder-blue, elliptical, scored tablets

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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