Triazolam
HALCION
What it isUltra-short-acting benzodiazepine; sleep-onset insomnia.
Why this oneThe shortest action of the benzodiazepine hypnotics, so morning residue is minimal.
What limits itAnterograde amnesia and rebound insomnia are prominent. CYP3A4-dependent; dependence as for the class.
FDA-approved for
- insomnia (1982)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insomnia (short-term) | Adults | 0.25 mg QHS | 0.25 mg QHS | 0.5 mg QHS |
| Insomnia (short-term) | Geriatric | 0.125 mg QHS | 0.125–0.25 mg QHS | 0.25 mg QHS |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Take once daily before bedtime
- Short-term use (7–10 days); do not prescribe more than a 1-month supply
- Reevaluate if used more than 2–3 weeks
- Taper gradually to discontinue; avoid abrupt cessation
- Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants
Contraindications
- Concomitant use with strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone, ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, lopinavir)
Cautions
- Profound sedation/respiratory depression with opioids
- Abuse, misuse, and addiction
- Dependence and withdrawal reactions (including seizures)
- Complex sleep behaviors (sleep-driving)
- CNS/behavioral changes; anterograde amnesia
- Worsening depression/suicidal ideation
- Impaired driving and operating machinery
- Neonatal sedation and withdrawal
- Increased triazolam levels with moderate CYP3A inhibitors, macrolides, cimetidine
Adverse reactions
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Coordination disorder/ataxia
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Nausea/vomiting
Pregnancy No clear association with major birth defects; late-pregnancy use can cause neonatal sedation and/or withdrawal
Lactation No human milk data; benzodiazepines linked to infant sedation/poor feeding; may pump and discard for 28 hours after a dose
⚠ BOXED WARNINGS
- Risk from concomitant use with opioids
- Abuse, misuse and addiction
- Dependence and withdrawal reactions
Cost, est. cash$10–$300/month
Generic entry1994
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryX
Defining liabilitySedation, falls, dependence and additive respiratory depression with opioids or other CNS depressants.
Mechanism of action: Triazolam ballicule
Open Triazolam in the interactive console ↗
Memory aids: mascots and interaction avatars
HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey
hot pink → benzo theme
