Triazolam
Triazolam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. This group of medications helps you sleep by increasing the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain. GABA is a natural substance that creates a feeling of relaxation by slowing your brain’s activity. Most benzodiazepines are known for their ability to treat muscle tension and anxiety, but triazolam is noteworthy for its sedative effect.
What Does Triazolam Treat?
The primary role of triazolam is the treatment of severe insomnia, which can occur due to chronic back pain. The medication is most effective if you have difficulty falling asleep but are able to remain asleep after taking the drug. Your body eliminates half of the drug from your bloodstream in less than 6 hours. Triazolam enables you to sleep without causing drowsiness the following day.
The medication is sometimes used to treat anxiety that can occur during an MRI scan and other diagnostic procedures. The sedative effect can calm patients prior to surgical procedures. Unlike some other benzodiazepines, triazolam is ineffective for chronic anxiety. Some patients report that their anxiety became worse after taking the medication for three weeks.
Triazolam is occasionally prescribed to help people sleep during short flights. You should ensure that the medication doesn’t cause any adverse effects prior to using it for air travel. You should not combine triazolam and alcohol during your flight due to possible side effects.
Common Side Effects of Triazolam
The most common adverse effects are lightheadedness, dizziness and the inability to coordinate movements. Drowsiness is listed as a side effect to alert people who are not taking the medication to treat insomnia.
A more serious side effect is the risk of addiction because patients can develop a rapid tolerance for the effects of the drug. The risk is higher in patients who take the medication for extended periods or in high doses. Patients who become addicted should gradually lower the dose to avoid the negative effects of withdrawal. You can avoid becoming addicted to the medication by taking low doses for a short period of time. As the level of medication in your body declines during the day, you can experience withdrawal symptoms.
Triazolam can cause insomnia to reoccur when you stop taking the medication. Contact your doctor if this symptom doesn’t resolve within a few days. Other reported side effects include weight loss, anxiety, depression and paranoia.
Triazolam is not recommended for pregnant women due to possible birth defects. The drug can interfere with your sense of balance. The elderly and others who are susceptible to serious injuries from falls shouldn’t take the medication. Inform your doctor about any medications that you are currently taking to avoid drug interactions.
Is Triazolam Right for You?
Speak with your physician if you have severe insomnia. After evaluating your medical history and current health status, your doctor can decide whether triazolam is appropriate for your insomnia. Your doctor will determine the dose that relieves your insomnia while minimizing the risk of side effects.