INSTRUCTIONS





Regarding Oral Sedation

Triazolam (Halcion®), is a medication (in pill form) that can greatly minimize anxiety that might be associated with treatment with your endodontist. In a more relaxed state, you will be able to communicate with Dr. Horalek, while treatment is being performed.  Even though triazolam (Halcion®) is relatively safe, effective, and is metabolized after the dental visit, you should be aware of some important precautions and considerations.  Our team will review this with you prior to your appointment.
 
Side effects may include light-headedness, headache, dizziness, visual disturbances, amnesia, and nausea. In some patients, oral triazolam may not work as desired. Smokers will probably notice a decrease in the effect of the drug.  Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may be used in conjunction with triazolam.  Local anesthetic is used with all treatment patients.  Dr. Horalek has a permit issued by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners that is required to administer sedation techniques that fall under minimal conscious sedation.
 
There are certain medical conditions in which triazolam should not be used:   during pregnancy or while breast feeding, in a patient with advanced liver or kidney disease, or in an individual who is hypersensitive or allergic to benzodiazapenes (Valium®, Ativan®, Versed®, etc.).
 
Tell Dr. Horalek if you are taking the following medications, as they can have a drug-drug interaction with triazolam:  nefazodone (Serzone®), cimetidene (Tagamet®, Tagamet HB®, Novcimetine®, or Peptol®), levodopa (Dopar® or Larodopa®) for Parkinson's disease, antihistamines (such as Benadryl® and Tavist®), verpamil (Calan®), diltiazem (Cardizem®), erythromycin and the azole antimycotics (i.e., ketoconazole, clarithromycin, or itraconazole, or Nizoral®, Biaxin®, Sporanox®, respectively), HIV drugs such as indinavir (CrixivanA®) or nelfinavir (ViraceptA®) and alcohol.  Of course, taking recreational or illicit drugs can also cause adverse reactions.
 
Click here to print our Oral Sedation Consent, Pre-oral Sedation Instructions, and Post-oral Sedation Instructions.