2.1 Dosing Information

The recommended dosage is 0.25 mg once daily before bedtime. A dosage of 0.125 mg once daily may be sufficient for some patients (e.g., patients with low body weight). A dosage of 0.5 mg should be used only for patients who do not respond adequately to a trial of a lower dose. The maximum recommended dosage is 0.5 mg once daily.

Use the lowest effective dose for the patient as there are significant dose related adverse reactions.

Use of triazolam for more than 3 weeks requires evaluation of the patient for a primary psychiatric or medical condition [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.4, 5.8)] .

Prescriptions for triazolam should be written for short-term use (7 to 10 days) and it should not be prescribed in quantities exceeding a 1-month supply.

2.2 Use in Geriatric Patients

In geriatric patients, the recommended dosage is 0.125 mg to 0.25 mg once daily. Initiate therapy at 0.125 mg once daily. The 0.25 mg dose should be used only for patients who do not respond to a trial of the lower dose. The maximum recommended dosage is 0.25 mg once daily. Elderly patients have an increased risk of dose related adverse reactions [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)] .

5.1 Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids

Concomitant use of benzodiazepines, including triazolam, and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioids alone. If a decision is made to prescribe triazolam concomitantly with opioids, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use, and follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. In patients already receiving an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of triazolam than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based on clinical response. If an opioid is initiated in a patient already taking triazolam, prescribe a lower initial dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response.

Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when triazolam is used with opioids. Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of concomitant use with the opioid have been determined [see Drug Interactions (7.1)] .

5.2 Persistent or Worsening Insomnia

Since sleep disturbances may be the presenting manifestation of a physical and/or psychiatric disorder, symptomatic treatment of insomnia should be initiated only after a careful evaluation of the patient. The failure of insomnia to remit after 7 to 10 days of treatment may indicate the presence of a primary psychiatric and/or medical illness that should be evaluated. Worsening of insomnia or the emergence of new thinking or behavior abnormalities may be the consequence of an unrecognized psychiatric or physical disorder. Such findings have emerged during the course of treatment with sedative-hypnotic drugs.

5.3 "Sleep-driving" and Other Complex Behaviors

Complex behaviors such as "sleep-driving" (i.e., driving while not fully awake after ingestion of a sedative-hypnotic, with amnesia for the event) have been reported with triazolam use. These events can occur in sedative-hypnotic-naïve as well as in sedative-hypnotic-experienced persons. Although behaviors such as sleep-driving may occur with sedative-hypnotics alone at recommended dosages, the use of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants with sedative-hypnotics appears to increase the risk of such behaviors, as does the use of sedative-hypnotics at doses exceeding the maximum recommended dose. Due to the risk to the patient and the community, discontinuation of sedative-hypnotics should be strongly considered for patients who report a "sleep-driving" episode.

Other complex behaviors (e.g., preparing and eating food, making phone calls, or having sex) have been reported in patients who are not fully awake after taking a sedative-hypnotic, including triazolam. As with sleep-driving, patients usually do not remember these events.

5.4 Central Nervous System Manifestations

An increase in daytime anxiety has been reported for triazolam after as few as 10 days of continuous use. In some patients this may be a manifestation of interdose withdrawal. If increased daytime anxiety is observed during treatment, discontinuation of treatment may be advisable.

A variety of abnormal thinking and behavior changes have been reported to occur in association with the use of benzodiazepine hypnotics including triazolam. Some of these changes may be characterized by decreased inhibition, e.g., aggressiveness and extroversion that seem excessive, similar to that seen with alcohol and other CNS depressants (e.g., sedative/hypnotics). Other kinds of behavioral changes have also been reported, for example, bizarre behavior, agitation, hallucinations, depersonalization. In primarily depressed patients, the worsening of depression, including suicidal thinking, has been reported in association with the use of benzodiazepines [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] .

Some adverse reactions reported in association with the use of triazolam such as drowsiness, dizziness, light-headedness, and amnesia appear to be dose related. More serious behavioral phenomena such as confusion, bizarre or abnormal behavior, agitation, and hallucinations may also be dose related, but this evidence is inconclusive. Therapy should be initiated at the lowest effective dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] .

It can rarely be determined with certainty whether a particular instance of the abnormal behaviors listed above is drug induced, spontaneous in origin, or a result of an underlying psychiatric or physical disorder. Nonetheless, the emergence of any new behavioral sign or symptom of concern requires careful and immediate evaluation.

Anterograde amnesia of varying severity and paradoxical reactions have been reported following recommended dosages of triazolam. Data from several sources suggest that anterograde amnesia may occur at a higher rate with triazolam than with other benzodiazepine hypnotics. Because triazolam can cause drowsiness and a decreased level of consciousness, patients, particularly the elderly, are at higher risk of falls.

Cases of "traveler's amnesia" have been reported by individuals who have taken triazolam to induce sleep while traveling, such as during an airplane flight. In some of these cases, insufficient time was allowed for the sleep period prior to awakening and before beginning activity. Also, the concomitant use of alcohol may have been a factor in some cases.

5.5 Effects on Driving and Operating Heavy Machinery

Due to its depressant CNS effects, patients receiving triazolam should be cautioned against engaging in hazardous occupations requiring complete mental alertness such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. For the same reason, patients should be cautioned about the concomitant use of alcohol and other CNS depressant drugs during treatment with triazolam.

5.6 Triazolam Interaction with Drugs that Inhibit Metabolism via Cytochrome P450 3A

The initial step in triazolam metabolism is hydroxylation catalyzed by CYP 3A. Drugs that inhibit this metabolic pathway may have a profound effect on the clearance of triazolam.

5.7 Patients with Depression

Benzodiazepines may worsen depression. Consequently, appropriate precautions (e.g., limiting the total prescription size and increased monitoring for suicidal ideation) should be considered in patients with depression .

5.8 Tolerance/Withdrawal Phenomena

Some loss of effectiveness or adaptation to the sleep inducing effects of benzodiazepines, including triazolam, may develop after nightly use for more than a few weeks and there may be a degree of dependence that develops. Withdrawal phenomena with triazolam have included: 1) increased wakefulness during the last third of the night, and 2) the appearance of increased signs of daytime anxiety or nervousness.

Withdrawal effects can occur after discontinuing these drugs following use for only a week or two, but may be more common and more severe after longer periods of continuous use. A phenomena known as 'rebound insomnia' may occur after stopping triazolam. That is, on the first few nights after the drug is stopped, insomnia is actually worse than before the sleeping pill was given.

Other withdrawal phenomena following abrupt stopping of benzodiazepine sleeping pills range from mild unpleasant feelings to a major withdrawal syndrome which may include abdominal and muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, tremor, and convulsions.

5.9 Neonatal Sedation and Withdrawal Syndrome

Use of triazolam during the later stages of pregnancy can result in sedation (respiratory depression, lethargy, hypotonia) and withdrawal symptoms (hyperreflexia, irritability, restlessness, tremors, inconsolable crying, and feeding difficulties) in the neonate. Observe newborns for signs of sedation and neonatal withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)] .

5.10 Compromised Respiratory Function

In patients with compromised respiratory function, respiratory depression and apnea have been reported. Closely monitor patients with compromised respiratory function. If signs and symptoms of respiratory depression or apnea occur, consider discontinuation.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The incidences cited below are estimates of clinical reactions among 1003 subjects who participated in the short term (duration of 1 to 42 days) placebo-controlled clinical trials of triazolam.

Adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in two multi-dose placebo controlled clinical trials include coordination disorders, drowsiness, grogginess, somnolence, depression, restlessness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, nausea, visual disturbance, nervousness, abdominal distress, bladder trouble, aching limbs, backache, and blepharitis.

In addition to the common reactions enumerated above in Table1, the following adverse reactions have been reported at an incidence of 0.9% to 0.5%: euphoria, tachycardia, tiredness, confusional states/memory impairment, cramps/pain, depression, and visual disturbances.

Adverse reactions reported at an incidence less than 0.5% include: constipation, taste alterations, diarrhea, dry mouth, dermatitis/allergy, dreaming/nightmares, insomnia, paresthesia, tinnitus, dysesthesia, weakness, congestion, and death from hepatic failure in a patient also receiving diuretic drugs.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of triazolam. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

General disorders and administration site conditions: Paradoxical drug reaction, chest pain and fatigue
Gastrointestinal disorders: Tongue discomfort, glossitis, stomatitis
Hepatobiliary disorders: Jaundice
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications: Fall
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Anorexia
Nervous system disorders: Anterograde amnesia, altered state of consciousness, dystonia, sedation, syncope, dysarthria and muscle spasticity
Psychiatric disorders: Confusional state (disorientation, derealisation, depersonalization), mania, agitation, restlessness, irritability, sleep disorder and libido disorder, hallucination, delusion, aggression, somnambulism, and abnormal behavior
Renal and urinary disorders: Urinary retention and urinary incontinence
Reproductive system and breast disorders: Menstruation irregular
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Pruritis

7.1 Drugs Having Clinically Important Interactions with Triazolam

Table 2 includes clinically significant drug interactions with triazolam [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of triazolam have not been established in pediatric patients.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Elderly patients exhibit higher plasma triazolam concentrations due to reduced clearance as compared with younger subjects at the same dose. Because elderly patients are especially susceptible to dose related adverse reactions and to minimize oversedation, the smallest effective dose should be used [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .

9.1 Controlled Substance

Triazolam contains triazolam which is a Schedule IV controlled substance.

9.2 Abuse

Abuse and addiction are separate and distinct from physical dependence and tolerance. Abuse is characterized by misuse of the drug for non-medical purposes, often in combination with other psychoactive substances. Physical dependence is a state of adaptation that is manifested by a specific withdrawal syndrome that can be produced by abrupt cessation, rapid dose reduction, decreasing blood level of the drug and/or administration of an antagonist. Tolerance is a state of adaptation in which exposure to a drug induces changes that result in a diminution of one or more of the drug's effects over time. Tolerance may occur to both the desired and undesired effects of drugs and may develop at different rates for different effects.

Addiction is a primary, chronic, neurobiological disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. It is characterized by behaviors that include one or more of the following: impaired control over drug use, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and craving. Drug addiction is a treatable disease, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, but relapse is common.

Addiction-prone individuals (e.g. those with a history of drug addiction or alcoholism) should be under careful surveillance when receiving triazolam because of increased risk of abuse and dependence.

9.3 Dependence

Withdrawal symptoms, including: convulsions, tremor, abdominal and muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, dysphoria, perceptual disturbances, and insomnia have occurred following abrupt discontinuance of benzodiazepines, including triazolam. The more severe symptoms are usually associated with higher dosages and longer usage, although patients at recommended dosages given for as few as 1 to 2 weeks can also have withdrawal symptoms and in some patients there may be withdrawal symptoms (daytime anxiety, agitation) between nightly doses [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] . Consequently, abrupt discontinuation should be avoided and a gradual dosage tapering schedule is recommended in any patient taking more than the lowest dose for more than a few weeks. The recommendation for tapering is particularly important in any patient with a history of seizure.

The risk of dependence is increased in patients with a history of alcoholism, drug abuse, or in patients with marked personality disorders. Such dependence-prone individuals should be under careful surveillance when receiving triazolam. As with all hypnotics, repeat prescriptions should be limited to those who are under medical supervision.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Triazolam is a benzodiazepine. Triazolam exerts its effect for the short-term treatment of insomnia through binding to the benzodiazepine site of the gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA A) receptors in the brain and enhances GABA-mediated synaptic inhibition.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids

Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of potentially fatal respiratory depression and sedation when triazolam is used with opioids and not to use such drugs concomitantly unless supervised by a healthcare provider. Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of concomitant use with the opioid have been determined [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Drug Interactions (7.1)] .

"Sleep-driving" and Other Complex Behaviors

There have been reports of people getting out of bed after taking a sedative-hypnotic and driving their cars while not fully awake, often with no memory of the event. Advise patients to report similar experiences to their healthcare provider immediately, since "sleep-driving" can be dangerous. This behavior is more likely to occur when sedative-hypnotics are taken with alcohol or other CNS depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] . Other complex behaviors (e.g., preparing and eating food, making phone calls, or having sex) have been reported in patients who are not fully awake after taking a sedative hypnotic. As with sleep-driving, patients usually do not remember these events.

Advise patients that increased drowsiness and decreased consciousness may increase the risk of falls in some patients.

Effects on Driving and Operating Heavy Machinery

Caution patients against driving a motor vehicle or operating heavy machinery until the effects of taking triazolam are determined due to its CNS depressant effects. Also advise patients to avoid the use of alcohol or other CNS depressants while taking triazolam [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] .

Patients with Depression

Advise patients, their families and caregivers to look out for any signs of suicidality or worsening depression, and to inform the patient's prescriber or healthcare provider immediately [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] .

Concomitant Medications

Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of all medicines they take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements [see Drug Interactions (7.1)] .

Grapefruit Juice

Advise patients to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking triazolam [see Drug Interactions (7.1)] .

Pregnancy

Benzodiazepines cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and sedation in neonates. Advise mothers using triazolam to monitor neonates for signs of sedation, respiratory depression, withdrawal, and feeding problems [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9), Use in Specific Populations (8.1)] .

Lactation

Advise mothers using benzodiazepines to monitor neonates for signs of sedation, respiratory depression, withdrawal symptoms, and feeding problems. A lactating woman may consider pumping and discarding breastmilk during treatment and for 28 hours after triazolam administration to minimize drug exposure to a breastfed infant [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].

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