Midazolam (Versed) & Triazolam (Halcion)
Posted on 5/15/2015 by Fariba Mutschler |
Description
Midazolam (MID-ay-zoe-lam) and triazolam (trye AH zoe lam) are in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. They are used to produce sleepiness or drowsiness and to relieve anxiety before surgery or certain procedures. Midazolam is also sometimes used to produce loss of consciousness for patients in hospitals before and during surgery.
In our facility, midazolam and triazolam are given under the supervision of a doctor trained to use this medicine. Our staff will give your child the medicine and closely follow your child’s progress.
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make and the following should be considered:
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Empty Stomach- Your child should have an empty stomach before taking this medicine. Eat nothing for six (6) hours before the appointment. Morning appointments are the best. Clear fluids can be drunk up to three (3) hours before the appointment. Clear fluids are white grape juice or water, not like orange juice or milk. Do NOT drink grapefruit juice before taking this medicine.
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Allergies- Tell the doctor if your child has ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to midazolam or other benzodiazepines. Also, tell the doctor if they are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
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Other medicines- Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. These sedative drugs may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness or dizziness, including antidepressants, alcohol, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, seizure medicines, and antihistamines. Do not take midazolam or triazolam without first talking to your doctor if you take any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
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Other medical problems- The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of these drugs. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
• Heart, Lung, Kidney, or Liver disease
• Obesity (overweight) -The effects of these drugs may last longer
• Glaucoma (narrow angle) - triazolam may make this worse
• Myasthenia gravis or other muscle and nerve disease - midazolam may make this worse |
Precautions After Receiving This Medicine
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Midazolam may cause some people to feel drowsy, tired, or weak for the rest of the day after it has been given. It may also cause problems with coordination and one's ability to think. Therefore, do not allow your child to do anything else that could be dangerous if not alert until the effects of the medicine have disappeared or until the next day.
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Do not take:
•CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness) for about 24 hours after taking midazolam, unless otherwise directed by the doctor. To do so may add to the effects of the medicine. Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds
•other sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine
•prescription pain medicine or narcotics
•medicine for seizures
•and muscle relaxants. |
Side Effects of This Medicine
Side effects of these drugs are: drowsiness, dizziness or clumsiness with difficulty walking and talking, confusion, headache, dry mouth, and changes in behavior such as the appearance of being drunk.
Most side effects usually do not need medical attention and will go away as the effects of these drugs wear off. However, check with your doctor if any side effects continue or are bothersome. |
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