Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is triazolam. It helps people to fall asleep easier and stay asleep. It is sometimes called a "sleeping pill.' It may have other uses, too. 

It is often taken one time each night, right before going to bed. You should take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. Triazolam should only be taken for a short time, about 10 days or less. Call your doctor if this medicine does not help you sleep better or if it gets worse. 

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include feeling lightheaded and loss of balance. You could also feel dizzy or tired. You should wait until you know how this medicine affects you before you do activities that require you to be alert, like driving. It's a good idea to stand up slowly to avoid becoming light-headed. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.  

As with any medicine, rare but more serious side effects can occur. With triazolam, this includes doing things at night that you may not remember the next day. For example, you could sleepwalk, or drive a car, eat food, have sex, or talk on the phone and not remember it. You should read the Medication Guide for more information on this and other side effects. To help keep this medicine safe for you, you should use the lowest dose for the shortest time possible.

Triazolam can have severe drug interactions. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking ANY other medicines. You should not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Also, do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice.

This medicine is controlled by federal law. It can put you at risk for addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death. It can be dangerous to others, so store it in a safe place.  After you stop taking it you should dispose of it properly. Ask your pharmacist about proper disposal options in your area or go to the FDA.gov website for more information.

Triazolam can be harmful to babies. Women must talk to their doctors before taking this medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

For best results, take triazolam only as prescribed, and work with your doctor to find the lowest dose that works for you.