Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking triazolam as follows:
- Triazolam, as part of depression of the CNS for inducing sleep, can also cause depression of the respiratory center in the brain. This induces slowing down of respirations, reduce gas exchange, and the breathing pattern can become irregular. Individuals with history of asthma and COPD should be extra careful in this regard. Keep a close watch on respiratory patterns and any increase in difficulty breathing should be appropriately reported.
- A lot of other nonprescription products and prescription medications can also influence the activity of triazolam in the body. So, be sure to mention your physician and pharmacist regarding your history with triazolam and check with them regarding safety, in the event you are being started on any new medications.
- Patients are at risk to experience hallucinations and mood disturbances, such as, exacerbation of anxiety and depressive symptoms, with triazolam use. Any changes in the mood and behavior following triazolam intake must be reported to the physician, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
- Observe a regular sleep time every evening, as sleep is a habit that can be trained. Take the dose of triazolam about an hour before the sleep time, as it needs about 30 minutes to show the desired effect of sleep induction. Maintaining compliance with the sleep time and medication intake an hour before the sleep time can help avoid forgetting the medication intake.
