Adult Dosing
Short-term treatment of insomnia
- Usual dose: 0.25 mg PO qhs x 7-10 days; give 0.125 mg PO qhs x 7-10 days for patients with low body weight
- Max: 0.5 mg
- Elderly/debilitated patients: 0.125 mg PO qhs x 7-10 days
- Max: 0.25 mg
Note:
- If insomnia does not abate after 7-10 days, reassess the patient for the presence of any primary psychiatric or medical illness
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established
[Outline]
See Supplemental Patient Information
- Triazolam therapy must be initiated after careful evaluation of the patients because sleep disturbances may be the presenting manifestation of a psychiatric and/or physical disorder. If insomnia does not respond to treatment after 7-10 days, evaluate the patients for the presence of a primary psychiatric or medical disorder
- Undiagnosed physical or psychiatric disorders may lead to worsening of insomnia or the development of behavior abnormalities
- Sleep-related complex behaviors like sleep-driving, eating, talking on the phone, or having sex have been reported in patients who are not fully awake after taking triazolam
- Rare cases of severe hypersensitivity reactions manifested by angioedema of the tongue, glottis, or larynx, dyspnea, throat closing, nausea and vomiting have been reported in patients treated with triazolam
- Patients taking triazolam may experience an increased daytime anxiety. If such symptoms occur, discontinue therapy
- Abnormal psychiatric symptoms like aggressiveness, extroversion, bizarre behavior, agitation, hallucinations, depersonalization, worsening of depression, and suicidal thinking have been reported in patients receiving triazolam. These symptoms may be either drug-induced or due to an underlying psychiatric or physical disorder
- Triazolam causes CNS depression; hence, patients should be cautioned against performing hazardous activities which require mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating machinery
- Some patients may experience anterograde amnesia and traveler's amnesia during treatment with triazolam
- Very potent inhibitors of CYP 3A are contraindicated during treatment with triazolam due to risk of serious interactions; less potent inhibitors of CYP 3A should be used with caution
- Treatment with triazolam should be started with lowest possible dose to reduce the possibility of dose-related side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, light-headedness, amnesia, and the development of oversedation
- Caution is advised while prescribing triazolam to patients with signs/symptoms of depression, as it may lead to worsening of symptoms
- Patients may develop tolerance towards triazolam after nightly use for more than few weeks, which can lead to increased signs of daytime anxiety or nervousness and increased wakefulness towards the end of the night
- Triazolam is a federally controlled substance (Schedule IV) because it can be abused and may also lead to dependence. The risk of dependence is higher in patients with a history of alcoholism, drug abuse, or in patients with marked personality disorders
- Abrupt discontinuation of triazolam may lead to withdrawal symptoms characterized by rebound insomnia, unpleasant feelings, muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, tremor and convulsions. Gradual dosage tapering is advised towards the end of therapy
Cautions: Use cautiously in
- Renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Depression
- History of seizures
- Chronic pulmonary insufficiency
- Sleep apnea
- Concurrent use of CNS depressants
- Concurrent use of alcohol
- Elderly or debilitated patients
Supplemental Patient Information
- Advise patients to refrain from performing hazardous physical activities, which require mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery
- Instruct patients to keep triazolam in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse; also inform them that selling or giving away this medication may harm others and is against the law
- Inform patients to report their physicians if they had ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medications or street drugs
Pregnancy Category:X
Breastfeeding: Safety unknown; an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. This is based upon LactMed database (available at http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT last accessed 5 July 2011). Manufacturer recommends discontinuation of nursing.
Pricing data from www.DrugStore.com in U.S.A.
- Halcion 0.25 MG TABS [Bottle] (PFIZER U.S.)
30 mg = $79.56
60 mg = $144.94 - Triazolam 0.25 MG TABS [Bottle] (GREENSTONE)
30 mg = $18.99
90 mg = $48.97 - Triazolam 0.13 MG TABS [Box] (ROXANE)
30 mg = $18.99
90 mg = $42.99
Warning: This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.
