Do you sometimes toss and turn after going to bed without falling asleep? Do you feel like you don't know where you went to sleep with all the things that come to your mind? We call this insomnia. In such a situation, a doctor may prescribe a medicine called Triazolam for a short period of time to help you. So, today we will talk about this medicine called Triazolam, exactly, simply.
What is Triazolam?
Simply put, Triazolam is a drug that helps you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep throughout the night. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines . Think of it this way: some of the nerve cells in your brain are firing a little too fast and too fast. That's why you have a hard time falling asleep. So what this drug does is calm those restless nerves, slow down your brain activity a little, and create the calmness that you need to go to sleep.
The most important thing is that this is usually prescribed for short-term use only , as continued use can lead to addiction.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
It is very important for your doctor to know your complete health history before prescribing this medication. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Health condition or fact | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Kidney or liver disease | Because this organ affects the process of removing medication from the body, it may be necessary to change the dosage of medication during an illness. |
| Lung or respiratory disease (e.g. asthma) | This medicine can slightly weaken breathing, so it can be dangerous for those who already have breathing problems. |
| Mental health problems (such as depression) | These medications may exacerbate or alter some mental states. |
| If there was a drug or alcohol addiction | These people are at higher risk of becoming addicted to medications like Triazolam. |
| If you or someone in your family has had suicidal thoughts | This information is very important because this medication can sometimes cause mood changes. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Since the medication can pass to the baby through breast milk, you should discuss this with your doctor. |
| If you have allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | It is essential to inform the doctor if you have an allergy to Triazolam or any other Benzodiazepine. |
How should I use this medicine?
The way to use this is very simple, but very important.
- This pill should be taken with a glass of water, right before going to bed . It is not good to take it during the day.
- Take only the dose prescribed by your doctor, exactly as prescribed. Never increase the dose at will.
- If you have been taking this medicine for a while, do not stop suddenly . Doing so may cause severe side effects. If you need to stop, you should reduce the dose gradually, as advised by your doctor.
- If you accidentally take too much, don't delay. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
- This medicine is prescribed for you only . Do not give it to your insomniac friend. It is dangerous and illegal.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
Let's say you forget to take your pill before going to bed. You can take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next day's pill, skip the missed dose and take the regular dose at the usual time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other drugs that can cause problems with Triazolam (Interactions)
Triazolam is a drug that can interact with other medications. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Absolutely Avoid Taking Triazolam With These | |
|---|---|
| |
| Be Cautious With These | |
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Things to be careful about when using the medicine
Daytime sleepiness
After taking this medicine, plan to get 7-8 hours of full sleep . If you don't, you may still feel sleepy and groggy the next morning. This medicine may affect your alertness and reaction time, so do not drive or operate machinery until you know exactly how it affects you.
Unusual sleep activities
This is a strange and dangerous side effect. Some people can do various things while they are asleep, but they have no memory of it the next day. For example, they can walk in their sleep, cook or eat in their sleep, or make phone calls to someone. If you find out that this has happened to you, stop taking the medicine immediately and talk to your doctor.
Changes in mentality
If you or your family notice a change in your behavior (e.g., increased depression, agitation, suicidal thoughts), tell your doctor immediately.
What are the expected side effects?
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS Depression) | Shortness of breath or shallow breathing, excessive sleepiness, loss of consciousness, confusion. |
| Changes in mentality and behavior | Anxiety, agitation, irritability, suicidal thoughts, worsening of mood. |
| Unusual sleep behaviors | Unremembered activities such as sleepwalking, eating, and driving. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dizziness | Dizziness. |
| Feeling sleepy the next day | Drowsiness the day after. |
| Loss of body balance | Loss of balance or coordination. |
Take-Home Message
- Triazolam is a medication used to treat insomnia, usually only for a short period of time .
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medicine. It is very dangerous.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- You may feel drowsy the next morning after taking the medicine. Therefore, do not drive until you are fully conscious.
- If you notice unusual behavior or significant changes in your mood during sleep, seek medical advice immediately.
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