NZ Formulary

Triazolam

try-az-oh-lam

What does it do?

Triazolam is used to help you sleep.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, sleep apnoea or a head injury.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take triazolam as directed with a glass of water.

What if you forget a dose?

Should an occasional dose be missed it need not be taken later.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with triazolam including:

  • some antihistamines (may be in anti-allergy, anti-nausea and cough/cold medicines)
  • fluconazole (e.g. Diflucan®) or miconazole (e.g. Daktarin Oral Gel®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort, valerian) or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Slow or shallow breathing, hard to wake up

Trouble with speech or swallowing

Tell your doctor immediately

Mood changes, agitation, unusual behaviour or thinking, loss of coordination, confusion, memory loss, trouble concentrating

Muscle weakness

Tell your doctor

Drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness, headache, changes in vision

Dry mouth, stomach upset

Less interest in sex, trouble peeing

Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • Triazolam can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)
  • If you still feel sleepy the next day, do not drive or operate machinery.
  • Triazolam may be addictive with long-term use.
  • If you have been taking triazolam regularly for a long time, do not stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor.
  • Sleep problems commonly occur when triazolam is stopped. It may take several weeks for these to improve.
  • Caffeine-containing drinks (e.g. coffee, cola, tea) may reduce the effect of triazolam. Discuss with your doctor.
  • Grapefruit, grapefruit juice or sour/Seville oranges may react with triazolam. Discuss with your pharmacist.