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Triazolam

Triazolam

Alternative Medicine
The following information is specific for alternative and complementary medicine. For additional evidence-based information on diseases, conditions, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and wellness issues, continue searching the Healthwise Knowledgebase.

Also indexed as:

Anafranil, Halcion

Triazolam is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, and is in a family of drugs known as benzodiazepines.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Triazolam

Depletion or interference None known
Adverse interaction Alcohol
Grapefruit juice
Pomegranate juice*
Side effect reduction/prevention None known
Supportive interaction Melatonin
Vinpocetine *
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Supplements

Melatonin

A preliminary study showed that taking melatonin and triazolam together produces better quality of sleep than occurs when the drug is taken alone. The results also indicated that less triazolam is needed when melatonin and triazolam are taken together, which might reduce side effects such as morning grogginess.1 Additional research is needed to determine whether individuals taking triazolam should also take melatonin.

Vinpocetine

In a preliminary trial, an extract of periwinkle called vinpocetine was shown to produce minor improvements in short-term memory among people taking flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine.2 Further study is needed to determine if vinpocetine would be a helpful adjunct to use of benzodiazepines, or triazolam specifically.

Other Interactions

Grapefruit juice

Drinking grapefruit juice with triazolam dramatically increases the amount of drug absorbed and the amount of time it stays in the body.3 Though the clinical significance of this interaction is unknown, some people may experience increased side effects, such as morning grogginess, dizziness, and poor coordination. Therefore, people taking triazolam should probably avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit for the duration of therapy.

Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice has been shown to inhibit the same enzyme that is inhibited by grapefruit juice.4, 5 The degree of inhibition is about the same for each of these juices. Therefore, it would be reasonable to expect that pomegranate juice might interact with triazolam in the same way that grapefruit juice does.

Alcohol

Drinking alcoholic beverages while taking triazolam may enhance side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness.6 Consequently, people taking triazolam should avoid drinking alcohol, especially when they must stay alert.

References

  1. Ferini-Strambi L, Zucconi M, Biella G, et al. Effect of melatonin on sleep microstructure: preliminary results in healthy subjects. Sleep 1993;16:744-7..
  2. Bhatti JZ, Hindmarch I. Vinpocetine effects on cognitive impairments produced by flunitrazepam. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 1987;2:325-31.
  3. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians' Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2461-3.
  4. Sorokin AV, Duncan B, Panetta R, Thompson PD. Rhabdomyolysis associated with pomegranate juice consumption. Am J Cardiol 2006;98:705-6.
  5. Summers KM. Potential drug-food interactions with pomegranate juice. Ann Pharmacother 2006;40:1472-3.
  6. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians' Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2461-3

Last Review: 01-21-2009

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2010.

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