A case of triazolam abuse

✍ Scribed by M. Kuniyoshi; K. Arikawa; C. Miura; J. Nakamura; K. Inanaga

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1987
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 330 KB
• Volume: 2
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0885-6222
• DOI: 10.1002/hup.470020108

✦ Synopsis

A case of abuse of triazolam, a short-acting benzodiazepine, was experienced. A 35-year-old male, with a tendency to mixed drug dependence with nitrazepam, etc., and a background of neurotic anxiety and insomnia, started self-administration of triazolam. Application of triazolam was frequent, with large doses up to a maximum of 80mg/day (320 times the recommended daily dose of 250 micrograms). In addition to psychic dependence, occurrence of withdrawal symptoms confirmed formation of physical dependence, which was also supported by EEG together with the appearance of various autonomic and psychic symptoms.

Even though triazolam is known to be comparatively safe, this case confirms that it can induce physical dependence upon frequent administration of a large amount, together with psychic dependence, and therefore care must be taken with regard to dosage. In particular, self-administration of the drug should be strictly controlled.