Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking triazolam as follows:
- Try changing the positions very slowly, as sudden change of positions can make the episodes of confusion and dizziness even worse and precipitate accidents and falls. One should stay away from activities, such as, driving, operating heavy machinery, swimming, and other activities needing mental alertness, until they are used to the side effects caused by the triazolam.
- Individuals using triazolam develop resistance to the dose in due course of time, thus blunting the therapeutic effect. The dose of triazolam should probably be enhanced at this point, to derive the same therapeutic benefit, thus increasing the risk for addiction. The risk for addiction is even more in individuals with history of substance/drug abuse, as the craving for the desired effect in these individuals will be high. As triazolam intake can be habit forming and carries a potential for addiction, it is usually prescribed for short span of time only, for a maximum of 2 weeks. If symptoms of insomnia are not relieved or further worsen within this time period, notify your doctor on the same, to have your sleep disturbance further investigated into.
- Individuals with history of drug abuse are more likely to abuse triazolam. So, if you have any family members with drug abuse history, make sure your medication is not being stolen. Keep a count on your tablets to prevent chance for abuse. Also, do not share your medication with any family members or friends.
- Individuals on triazolam for long period of time can present with severe withdrawal symptoms, if triazolam were discontinued abruptly. Individuals can present with shakiness and nervousness, anxiety, aggression, mood disturbances, restlessness, and rebound insomnia, as part of the withdrawal syndrome. Reduce the dose of triazolam gradually over a period of time to avoid the withdrawal symptoms.
