Triazolam
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Triazolam
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| Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
| 8-chloro-6-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H- [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine |
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| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | |
| ATC code | N05 |
| PubChem | |
| DrugBank | |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | C17H12Cl2N4 |
| Mol. mass | 343.2 |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | ? |
| Metabolism | Hepatic |
| Half life | 1.5-5.5 hours |
| Excretion | Renal |
| Therapeutic considerations | |
| Pregnancy cat. |
X (US) |
| Legal status |
Schedule IV(US) |
| Routes | Oral |
Triazolam (marketed under brand names Halcion®, Novodorm®, Songar®) is a drug that is a benzodiazepine derivative. It possesses pharmacological properties similar to other benzodiazepines, but it is generally only used as a sedative.[1]
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[edit] History
Triazolam was temporarily withdrawn from the market in several countries because of concerns about serious side effects (mostly psychological) associated with high dosages of the drug. Its use at lower doses has been deemed safe by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and most other countries.[1]
However, Triazolam remains banned in the UK since 1991, when the Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM) concluded that it caused a higher frequency of psychiatric side-effects than other hypnotics.
It has been alleged to cause strange behavior and in some instances violent reactions. However, these allegations are anecdotal in nature. While triazolam as the instigator of violence has been accepted in some trials (particularly criminal offenses of defendants without violent tendencies) the anecdotal evidence has not risen to the level that the FDA has determined it statistically verifiable.
[edit] Pharmacology
The pharmacological effects of triazolam are similar to those of most other benzodiazepines. Triazolam does not generate active metabolites.[1]
[edit] Indications
Triazolam is usually used for short term treatment of acute insomnia including jet lag. It is an ideal benzodiazepine for this use, due to the fact that its fast onset of action and short half-life (approximately 3 hours) allows its user to avoid morning drowsiness. Triazolam is also sometimes used as an adjuvant in medical procedures requiring anesthesia[1] or to reduce anxiety during brief events like MRI scans.
[edit] Dosage
Dosages for triazolam are significantly lower than other benzodiazepines, and should be individualized depending on the needs of the patient. For insomnia, 0.125mg to 0.25mg are given at bedtime. Up to 0.5mg may be needed for resistant individuals. Dosages exceeding 0.5mg are generally unsafe.
[edit] Side effects
Triazolam causes transient anterograde amnesia (failure to remember new things, especially during the time the medication is in the user's system) at dosages higher than 1-3mg.[2] Fuzzy, clouded thoughts, as well as incomprehension of the passage of time, may occur in lower doses as well as higher ones.
[edit] Interactions
Triazolam will have interactions similar to those seen with other benzodiazepine and other categories of anxiolytic/hypnotic.
As with most prescription medications, caution is advisable when combining other drugs with Triazolam.
[edit] Contraindications
[edit] Pregnancy
Halcion belongs to the Pregnancy Category X of the FDA.[citation needed] This means that it is known to have the ability to cause birth defects.
[edit] Overdose
Symptoms of overdose[1] include:
- Somnolence (drowsiness)
- Impaired motor function
- Slurred speech
- Coma
- Hypoventilation (respiratory depression)
[edit] Legal status
Internationally, triazolam is a Schedule IV drug under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances.[3]
In Hong Kong, Triazolam is regulated under Schedule 1 of Hong Kong's Chapter 134 Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. It can only be used legally by health professionals and for university research purporses. The substance can be be given by pharmacists under a prescription. Anyone who supplies the substance without presciption can be fined $10000(HKD). The penalty for trafficking or manufacturing the substance is a $5,000,000 (HKD) fine and life imprisonment.Possession of the substance for consumption without license from the Department of Health is illegal with a $1,000,000 (HKD) fine and/or 7 years of jail time. More information can be found: [1]
[edit] External links
- Medlineplus.org - Triazolam
- Rx-List.com - Triazolam
- Inchem.org - Triazolam
- MentalHealth.com - Triazolam
- Halcion controversy - Newsweek August 19, 1991 - Sweet Dreams or Nightmare?
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ a b c d e Wishart, David (2006). Triazolam. DrugBank. Retrieved on March 23, 2006.
- ^ Anterograde amnesia in triazolam overdose despite flumazenil treatment: a case report.. Hum Exp Toxicol. 1992 Jul;11(4):289-90.. Retrieved on June 25, 2006.
- ^ List of psychotropic substances under international control. Green list. International Narcotics Control Board (YEAR). Retrieved on March 23, 2006.
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