TRIAZOLAM
Trade Name: Halcion.
THERAPEUTIC INDICATIONS
Triazolam is a product of the benzodiazepine family. It is very similar to flurazepam, but is eliminated more quickly. It is used to induce sleep.

Prescription is required.

USAGE
Using doses of 0.125, 0.25 or 0.5 mg at bedtime. Its effect is manifested usually less than half an hour after ingestion.

WARNINGS
People who have a history of glaucoma, those under 18 should not use this medicine. Pregnant and breasfeeding women should not use it as well, it may lead to birth defects especially during the first three months of pregnancy.

If you suffer from liver disease or kidney disease, use a lower dosage to reduce the risk of intoxication.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Although relatively infrequently (compared with flurazepam), triazolam may produce morning drowsiness, which is sometimes accompanied by fatigue, dizziness, incoordination of movements and headaches. If there is an overdose, these symptoms become severe.

Sometimes the following reactions can be observed: agitation, altered taste, depression, blurred vision, irritability, memory loss, constipation or diarrhea, rash, malaise in the stomach, nervousness, weakness, confusion, burning eyes, dryness of the mouth, tinnitus, palpitations, hiccups, hallucinations, liver problems, the impotence and frigidity.

In some people, there is a paradoxical reaction of agitation, excitement and hyperactivity that require stopping the medication. For three years, it is banned in Holland because it makes some people too violent, Belgium and England are currently considering to withdraw from the market for the same reason.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
The following drugs increase the effect: all tranquilizers, antidepressants, narcotics and anticonvulsants. Taken in conjunction with anticonvulsants, there may be a disruption of their activities and may have to adjust their dosage. It is also possible that it reduces the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

PRECAUTIONS
We must watch for morning sleepiness and, if one is affected, avoid the use of motor vehicles or machines requiring attention. Alcohol may increase this effect.

It seems that triazolam modifies slightly the quality of sleep, however, sometimes there is an increase in dreams and when you stop treatment, a more restless sleep. To prevent this reaction from occurring, it is advantageous to gradually reduce the dose, at a standstill.

Triazolam may aggravate existing depression, especially among the elderly.