Triazolam Side Effects

If you have ever discussed having insomnia with any of your friends, the word triazolam probably must have come up. The drug is considered to work fine for most people suffering from insomnia by acting as a muscle relaxant.

Triazolam Medication

Triazolam has become a very popular medication for insomnia. Insomnia is a very common problem among people in the United States of America. Insomnia is an umbrella term for problems related to inability to sleep (sleep deprivation). Insomnia may be a difficulty in falling asleep, frequently waking up, early awakening, etc. And over the years, it has really proved its mettle in putting insomniacs to sleep. How does it do that?

It is a benzodiazepine drug, which works as a sedative. It does pretty much everything in its power to put you to sleep. It is a sedative, anticonvulsant and also a muscle relaxant. It is a good medication for fixing short term insomnia, which may be caused due to jet-lag. The recommended dosage is 0.125 to 0.25 mg while sleeping. This number is the general recommended dosage and it's better to check with your doctor whether you should consume this medicine and how much of it is good for you. A lot of side effects are associated with the consumption of triazolam, hence, too much of its consumption is not at all recommended.

Side Effects

Among the most disturbing side effects of regular consumption is that withdrawal symptoms may occur when you do not take it. After consuming this medicine for a few days, dropping it might result in rebound insomnia and rebound anxiety. This means that after you stop using this drug, you might suffer from a stronger case of insomnia, as you become dependent on it, to put you too sleep. It is a profoundly strong sedative and hence has all the side effects that are routinely associated with sedatives. Consumption may also lead to confusion and amnesia next morning. It may also leave you sleepy and drowsy the next day. Hence, I would not recommend triazolam to people who work with heavy machinery, as they may have severe accidents due to drowsiness. It may lead to the 'hangover' effect the next morning, causing slowed cognitive functions and residual impairment.

Other more disturbing effects are due to what is known an hypnotic drug dependence. It is said that triazolam must never be consumed for over 10 days/nights consecutively, as it may lead to a plethora of withdrawal symptoms. Suddenly stopping dosages may lead to conditions like paranoia, distress, extreme anxiety, panic attacks and at times, depression. Withdrawal symptoms also include auditory hallucinations, where a person feels like he is hearing something which isn't there. Visual cognitive disorder may also be a withdrawal symptoms. It may also cause birth defects and its classified by the FDA under Pregnancy Category X.

People may also get an allergic reaction on consuming triazolam and people have reported vomiting, nausea, itching, difficulty in breathing and hives as allergic reactions due to the consumption. Hence, it's better that you check with your doctor who knows your medical history. Especially if you have asthma, bronchitis, glaucoma, kidney disease or liver disease, check with your doctor, before consuming such a strong drug. It is also not recommended for people with a history of addictions such as drug and alcohol addictions as they become dependent on such substances easily.

There is no doubt in the fact that it is a very effective medication for insomnia, but proper care must be taken while consuming this medicine. As is the case while consuming any medication, always check with your doctor whether the medicine will have any adverse side effects on you and the recommended dosage.