{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/triazolam-halcion-uses-dosage-side-effects","path":"/library/triazolam-halcion-uses-dosage-side-effects","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/triazolam-halcion-uses-dosage-side-effects","title":"Triazolam (Halcion)","family":"Library detail","description":"Triazolam (Halcion) is an anti-anxiety drug used to treat conditions such as PTSD and OCD. Learn more about how it is used, interactions, and more.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"public","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/triazolam-halcion-uses-dosage-side-effects","wordpressId":"238","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jenni-jacobsen#person","name":"Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D.","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jenni-jacobsen"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/leila-khurshid#person","name":"Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D.","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/leila-khurshid"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2022-11-23T11:42:46Z","dateModified":"2025-08-13T12:02:35Z","lastReviewed":"2022-11-23"},"content":{"html":"

Triazolam (Halcion)

Written by \"\"Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D.Medically reviewed by \"\"Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D.

Published on · Updated on

Triazolam is a benzodiazepine drug that is primarily prescribed to treat insomnia. However, the medication can be habit-forming and cause life-threatening breathing problems, profound sedation, or coma when taken with other medications, so it’s important to tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about other prescriptions you’re using before you begin taking triazolam⁠[1].

\"An

Key takeaways

  • Triazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine used primarily for short-term treatment of insomnia.
  • Sedation, dependence, and potentially dangerous interactions limit its safe use.
  • Combining it with opioids or other depressants can cause severe breathing problems and requires careful clinical oversight.

Triazolam brand names

Triazolam is most commonly sold under the brand name Halcion [1]. Other triazolam brand names include: 

  • Apo-Triazo
  • Hypam
  • Trilam

What is triazolam prescribed for?

Triazolam is a benzodiazepine used for short-term insomnia . It can cause sedation and dependence and should be used exactly as prescribed. Any proposed use for a procedure or another purpose should be discussed with the treating clinician⁠[2][1].

Subject matter expert

\"\"

Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D.

Clinical pharmacy and medication

How does triazolam work?

Triazolam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These drugs work by acting on a brain chemical called GABA, which slows activity in the nervous system. When a person takes triazolam, the drug increases the activity of GABA, reducing brain activity⁠[3]. This ultimately helps a person to relax and fall asleep.

How is triazolam usually taken?

Triazolam is available as a tablet taken orally. The medication is intended to be taken shortly before bed and should not be taken with food, as eating right before taking the medication can reduce its effectiveness⁠[1]. A typical tablet contains 0.25 mg of triazolam⁠[3].

How long does triazolam stay in your system?

Triazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine that works quickly and stays in the system for a relatively short period⁠[3]. It has a short half-life of about 1.5 to 5.5 hours⁠[2].

The half-life is the amount of time it takes half of the concentration of a drug to be removed from the system. Because of the short half-life of triazolam, the drug is cleared from the system in as little as 6 hours.

Triazolam side effects

As is the case with any prescription medication, triazolam can come with side effects. Some of the most common side effects of this medication include⁠[1]:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Tingling feeling in the skin
  • Headache
  • Impaired coordination
  • Feeling nervous
  • Nausea and/or vomiting

The adverse reactions above are often mild and will improve with time. However, talk with your doctor or a healthcare professional if the side effects are severe or do not go away. 

Sometimes, side effects may be more severe. If you experience severe side effects, you may be especially sensitive to the effects of triazolam. Rare but serious adverse effects and allergic reactions associated with triazolam include⁠[1]:

  • Hives and/or itching
  • Rash
  • Swelling in the eyes, lips, face, throat, or tongue
  • Blurred vision
  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Being unable to swallow
  • Feeling as if the throat is closing up
  • Hoarseness in voice
  • Muscle twitches 

If you experience serious side effects with triazolam, it’s important to seek emergency medical attention and/or notify your doctor as soon as possible⁠[1].

Triazolam precautions

Triazolam is effective for treating insomnia, but that does not mean there are no risks associated with this medication. For example, triazolam can be habit-forming and long-term use can create physical dependence, meaning you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the medication⁠[1]. You should never suddenly stop taking triazolam without medical advice or supervision. 

Given the risk of dependence, triazolam is only intended to treat insomnia over short-term periods of 7 to 10 days. Using the drug for longer than this amount of time is not recommended⁠[2].

Triazolam should not be taken during pregnancy, as it can cause damage to the fetus. Caution should also be used among older adults taking triazolam, as the sedative effects tend to be stronger for elderly patients⁠[2].

Additionally, taking sedative drugs like triazolam can increase the risk of dangerous behaviors, including sleep-driving, especially when taken alongside alcohol or other medications that depress the central nervous system. Some people may engage in activities such as having sex or preparing food while asleep if they take triazolam⁠[2]. 

Some people experience psychiatric problems, such as daytime anxiety, aggression, hallucinations, and bizarre behavior when taking triazolam. Talk with your doctor if you experience these symptoms or other abnormal behaviors like sleep-driving⁠[2]. 

Finally, it’s important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking before you begin using triazolam. Some medications can cause dangerous interaction effects when taken alongside triazolam. These potential drug interactions are described in more detail below.

Triazolam interactions

The following medications are known to cause interaction effects with triazolam⁠[2]:

  • Opioid drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone
  • Antihistamines
  • Anticonvulsant medications
  • Ketoconazole
  • Itraconazole
  • Nefazodone
  • HIV protease inhibitors like atazanavir
  • Isoniazid
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Fluvoxamine
  • Diltiazem
  • Verapamil
  • Sertraline
  • Paroxetine
  • Ergotamine
  • Cyclosporine
  • Amiodarone
  • Nicardipine
  • Nifedipine
  • Ranitidine 

The list above is not exhaustive, so it is critical to tell your doctor about any and all medications you’re taking, including any dietary or herbal supplements. Beyond the medications above, it is important to avoid alcohol while on triazolam. It is also recommended to avoid consuming grapefruit while taking the medication⁠[2].

Triazolam storage

Triazolam should be kept in a tightly sealed prescription container with the original label visible. It should be kept out of reach of children and away from people who may accidentally confuse the medication as their own⁠[1].

Triazolam should be stored at room temperature, away from excessive heat or moisture. A bathroom is not ideal for triazolam storage, given the heat and moisture in this location⁠[1].

What to do if you overdose on triazolam

Triazolam can lead to overdose symptoms and life-threatening breathing problems, especially when taken alongside opioid drugs like codeine, morphine, tramadol, fentanyl, and hydrocodone⁠[1].

The following symptoms are indicative of a potential triazolam overdose⁠[1]: 

  • Excessive drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Loss of coordination
  • Slurred speech
  • Shallowbreathing
  • Seizures
  • Coma

If you or someone you know has taken triazolam and is experiencing antidepressant overdose symptoms, it is important to call emergency medical services immediately at 911. In some cases, triazolam overdose can be fatal⁠[1].

FAQs

How long does triazolam take to kick in?

Triazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine⁠[3] with a quick onset of action. Therefore, its effects kick in shortly after the medication is taken. For this reason, you should take triazolam right before you go to bed. You should also ensure that you can remain asleep for 7 to 8 hours⁠[1].

What is the difference between triazolam and alprazolam?

Triazolam and alprazolam are both benzodiazepine drugs, but there are some differences between the two. For instance, triazolam is generally used to treat insomnia, whereas alprazolam is most often used to treat anxiety and panic attacks.

Alprazolam also has a longer onset of action when compared to triazolam. The mean half-life of alprazolam is around 11 hours, which is longer than triazolam. This means that the effects of triazolam kick in sooner and wear off faster when compared to alprazolam⁠[4].

References

  1. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. (n.d.). Triazolam. MedlinePlus Drug Information. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026.
  2. Halcion(Triazolam) Label. (2016, September). S. Food & Drug Administration. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed October 10 2026.
  3. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2022). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5556, Triazolam. National Library of Medicine. Accessed November 9 2022.
  4. George, T.T., & Tripp, J. (2022, May 1). Alprazolam. In: StatPearls[Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine.

Medical Content

The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.

\"\"

Author

Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D.

Ph.D., LSW, MSW

Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D. is a licensed social worker, behavioral health consultant and medical reviewer. She holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Medical Reviewer

Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D.

Pharm.D., BCPS

Leila Khursid is a medical reviewer with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency from St. Mark's Hospital.

Reviewed
\"\"

Related community

Medications

Explore questions and perspectives about psychiatric medications and the treatment experience.

","text":"Home Library Medications Triazolam (Halcion) Triazolam (Halcion) Written by Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D.Medically reviewed by Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D. Published on November 23, 2022 · Updated on August 13, 2025 Triazolam is a benzodiazepine drug that is primarily prescribed to treat insomnia. However, the medication can be habit-forming and cause life-threatening breathing problems, profound sedation, or coma when taken with other medications, so it’s important to tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about other prescriptions you’re using before you begin taking triazolam⁠[1]. Key takeaways Triazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine used primarily for short-term treatment of insomnia. Sedation, dependence, and potentially dangerous interactions limit its safe use. Combining it with opioids or other depressants can cause severe breathing problems and requires careful clinical oversight. Triazolam brand names Triazolam is most commonly sold under the brand name Halcion [1]. Other triazolam brand names include: Apo-Triazo Hypam Trilam What is triazolam prescribed for? Triazolam is a benzodiazepine used for short-term insomnia . It can cause sedation and dependence and should be used exactly as prescribed. Any proposed use for a procedure or another purpose should be discussed with the treating clinician⁠[2][1]. Subject matter expert Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D. Clinical pharmacy and medication How does triazolam work? Triazolam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These drugs work by acting on a brain chemical called GABA, which slows activity in the nervous system. When a person takes triazolam, the drug increases the activity of GABA, reducing brain activity⁠[3]. This ultimately helps a person to relax and fall asleep. How is triazolam usually taken? Triazolam is available as a tablet taken orally. The medication is intended to be taken shortly before bed and should not be taken with food, as eating right before taking the medication can reduce its effectiveness⁠[1]. A typical tablet contains 0.25 mg of triazolam⁠[3]. How long does triazolam stay in your system? Triazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine that works quickly and stays in the system for a relatively short period⁠[3]. It has a short half-life of about 1.5 to 5.5 hours⁠[2]. The half-life is the amount of time it takes half of the concentration of a drug to be removed from the system. Because of the short half-life of triazolam, the drug is cleared from the system in as little as 6 hours. Triazolam side effects As is the case with any prescription medication, triazolam can come with side effects. Some of the most common side effects of this medication include⁠[1]: Drowsiness Dizziness or lightheadedness Dry mouth Headache Tingling feeling in the skin Headache Impaired coordination Feeling nervous Nausea and/or vomiting The adverse reactions above are often mild and will improve with time. However, talk with your doctor or a healthcare professional if the side effects are severe or do not go away. Sometimes, side effects may be more severe. If you experience severe side effects, you may be especially sensitive to the effects of triazolam. Rare but serious adverse effects and allergic reactions associated with triazolam include⁠[1]: Hives and/or itching Rash Swelling in the eyes, lips, face, throat, or tongue Blurred vision Trouble breathing Chest pain Being unable to swallow Feeling as if the throat is closing up Hoarseness in voice Muscle twitches If you experience serious side effects with triazolam, it’s important to seek emergency medical attention and/or notify your doctor as soon as possible⁠[1]. Triazolam precautions Triazolam is effective for treating insomnia, but that does not mean there are no risks associated with this medication. For example, triazolam can be habit-forming and long-term use can create physical dependence, meaning you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the medication⁠[1]. You should never suddenly stop taking triazolam without medical advice or supervision. Given the risk of dependence, triazolam is only intended to treat insomnia over short-term periods of 7 to 10 days. Using the drug for longer than this amount of time is not recommended⁠[2]. Triazolam should not be taken during pregnancy, as it can cause damage to the fetus. Caution should also be used among older adults taking triazolam, as the sedative effects tend to be stronger for elderly patients⁠[2]. Additionally, taking sedative drugs like triazolam can increase the risk of dangerous behaviors, including sleep-driving, especially when taken alongside alcohol or other medications that depress the central nervous system. Some people may engage in activities such as having sex or preparing food while asleep if they take triazolam⁠[2]. Some people experience psychiatric problems, such as daytime anxiety, aggression, hallucinations, and bizarre behavior when taking triazolam. Talk with your doctor if you experience these symptoms or other abnormal behaviors like sleep-driving⁠[2]. Finally, it’s important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking before you begin using triazolam. Some medications can cause dangerous interaction effects when taken alongside triazolam. These potential drug interactions are described in more detail below. Triazolam interactions The following medications are known to cause interaction effects with triazolam⁠[2]: Opioid drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone Antihistamines Anticonvulsant medications Ketoconazole Itraconazole Nefazodone HIV protease inhibitors like atazanavir Isoniazid Oral contraceptives Fluvoxamine Diltiazem Verapamil Sertraline Paroxetine Ergotamine Cyclosporine Amiodarone Nicardipine Nifedipine Ranitidine The list above is not exhaustive, so it is critical to tell your doctor about any and all medications you’re taking, including any dietary or herbal supplements. Beyond the medications above, it is important to avoid alcohol while on triazolam. It is also recommended to avoid consuming grapefruit while taking the medication⁠[2]. Triazolam storage Triazolam should be kept in a tightly sealed prescription container with the original label visible. It should be kept out of reach of children and away from people who may accidentally confuse the medication as their own⁠[1]. Triazolam should be stored at room temperature, away from excessive heat or moisture. A bathroom is not ideal for triazolam storage, given the heat and moisture in this location⁠[1]. What to do if you overdose on triazolam Triazolam can lead to overdose symptoms and life-threatening breathing problems, especially when taken alongside opioid drugs like codeine, morphine, tramadol, fentanyl, and hydrocodone⁠[1]. The following symptoms are indicative of a potential triazolam overdose⁠[1]: Excessive drowsiness Confusion Loss of coordination Slurred speech Shallowbreathing Seizures Coma If you or someone you know has taken triazolam and is experiencing antidepressant overdose symptoms, it is important to call emergency medical services immediately at 911. In some cases, triazolam overdose can be fatal⁠[1]. FAQs How long does triazolam take to kick in? Triazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine⁠[3] with a quick onset of action. Therefore, its effects kick in shortly after the medication is taken. For this reason, you should take triazolam right before you go to bed. You should also ensure that you can remain asleep for 7 to 8 hours⁠[1]. What is the difference between triazolam and alprazolam? Triazolam and alprazolam are both benzodiazepine drugs, but there are some differences between the two. For instance, triazolam is generally used to treat insomnia, whereas alprazolam is most often used to treat anxiety and panic attacks. Alprazolam also has a longer onset of action when compared to triazolam. The mean half-life of alprazolam is around 11 hours, which is longer than triazolam. This means that the effects of triazolam kick in sooner and wear off faster when compared to alprazolam⁠[4]. References American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. (n.d.). Triazolam. MedlinePlus Drug Information. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026. Halcion(Triazolam) Label. (2016, September). S. Food & Drug Administration. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed October 10 2026. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2022). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5556, Triazolam. National Library of Medicine. Accessed November 9 2022. George, T.T., & Tripp, J. (2022, May 1). Alprazolam. In: StatPearls[Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Medical Content The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy. About MentalHealth.com MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life. Author Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D. Ph.D., LSW, MSW Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D. is a licensed social worker, behavioral health consultant and medical reviewer. She holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Published November 23, 2022 Updated August 13, 2025 Medical Reviewer Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D. Pharm.D., BCPS Leila Khursid is a medical reviewer with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency from St. Mark's Hospital. Reviewed November 23, 2022 Related community Medications Explore questions and perspectives about psychiatric medications and the treatment experience. Table of contentsChoose a section Triazolam brand names What is triazolam prescribed for? How does triazolam work? How is triazolam usually taken? How long does triazolam stay in your system? Triazolam side effects Triazolam precautions Triazolam interactions Triazolam storage What to do if you overdose on triazolam FAQs View more","wordCount":1502},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","publishingPrinciples":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing/editorial-policy"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#website","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/triazolam-halcion-uses-dosage-side-effects#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Medications","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/medications"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Triazolam (Halcion)","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/triazolam-halcion-uses-dosage-side-effects"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/triazolam-halcion-uses-dosage-side-effects#primaryimage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/3dfb18e308eb9f3fae781ca2.webp","contentUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/3dfb18e308eb9f3fae781ca2.webp","width":1200,"height":633,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"An adult sits with hands clasped during a conversation."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jenni-jacobsen#person","name":"Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D.","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jenni-jacobsen","jobTitle":"Ph.D., LSW, MSW","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/4f4e4293be2246dfe2e00d7c.jpg","memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/clinical-affairs#department"},{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing#department"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/leila-khurshid#person","name":"Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D.","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/leila-khurshid","jobTitle":"Pharm.D., BCPS","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/90339bb61ace127cee8df5f2.webp","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-khurshid-pharmd-bcps/"],"memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/clinical-affairs#department"}]},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/triazolam-halcion-uses-dosage-side-effects#article","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/triazolam-halcion-uses-dosage-side-effects","headline":"Triazolam (Halcion)","description":"Triazolam (Halcion) is an anti-anxiety drug used to treat conditions such as PTSD and OCD. 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