Drugs & Vitamins

Halcion Active Ingredients: Triazolam Representative Names: Halcion Available Product Images: What are triazolam tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with triazolam? What side effects may I notice from taking triazolam? What should I watch for while taking triazolam? Where can I keep my medicine? What are triazolam tablets? (Back to top) TRIAZOLAM (Halcion®) is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines belong to a group of medicines that slow down the central nervous system. Triazolam helps to treat insomnia (difficulty sleeping at night). Federal law prohibits the transfer of triazolam to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic triazolam tablets are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •an alcohol or drug abuse problem •bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health conditions •kidney disease •liver disease •lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties •myasthenia gravis •Parkinson's disease •porphyria •seizures or a history of seizures •snoring •suicidal thoughts •an unusual or allergic reaction to triazolam, other benzodiazepines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take triazolam tablets by mouth. Triazolam is only for use at bedtime. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. It can take up to 2 hours for drowsiness to occur; never repeat the dose before 2 hours have passed. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with triazolam? (Back to top) Do not take Triazolam with any of the following: •alcohol •grapefruit juice •ketoconazole •nefazodone •itraconazole •some medicines for HIV infection or AIDS Triazolam may also interact with the following medications: •bosentan •caffeine •cimetidine •disulfiram •female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills •herbal or dietary supplements such as kava kava, melatonin, dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA, St. John's Wort or valerian •imatinib, STI-571 •isoniazid •medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as alprazolam, diazepam or lorazepam •medicines for depression, mental problems or psychiatric disturbances •medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, voriconazole) •mifepristone, RU-486 •modafinil •prescription pain medicines •probenecid •ranitidine •rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin •some antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin) •some medicines for colds, hay fever or other allergies •some medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems (amiodarone, diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil) •some medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone) •theophylline •zafirlukast •zileuton Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking triazolam? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •allergic reaction (itchy, watery eyes, rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, tongue, or throat) •confusion •depression •lightheadedness or fainting spells •mood changes, excitability or aggressive behavior •movement difficulty, staggering or jerky movements •muscle cramps •sleepwalking or performing other activities while asleep •tremors •weakness or tiredness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •dizziness, drowsiness, clumsiness, or unsteadiness; a 'hangover' effect •headache •increased dreaming •loss of memory •nausea, vomiting What should I watch for while taking triazolam? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Triazolam is for short-term periods of use. If sleep medicine is taken every night for a long time it may no longer help you to sleep. Your body can become dependent on triazolam, ask your prescriber or health care professional if you still need to take it. However, if you have been taking triazolam regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get severe side effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how triazolam affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Sleep medicines sometimes cause a type of memory loss, in which the person may not remember what has happened in the several hours after taking the medication. This type of memory loss is usually not a problem since this medicine is usually taken at bedtime; however there have been reports of driving or performing other activities while asleep after taking a sleep medicine. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you think you are having memory problems while on this medication. Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking triazolam. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:03/26/2007 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.