Triazolam is the active ingredient of Halcion.

General information

Triazolam is a benzodiazepine medication prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia and for pre-operative insomnia. It has a short duration, and won't leave you feeling groggy the next morning.

This benzodiazepine should in most case not be used for longer than 2-4 weeks, as tolerance and physical and psychological dependence can occur. Triazolam shares with other benzodiazepines the risk of abuse, misuse, psychological and/or physical dependence.

If prescribed for longer than 4 weeks, your prescriber should periodically reassess the need for triazolam.

How does triazolam work?

Triazolam has an effect on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is the brain's quieting or tranquilising neurotransmitter possessing an inhibitive effect on the transmission of nerve signals. Triazolam, and other benzodiazepines, enhances the effect of GABA, thus slowing down the transmission of nerve signals.

Fast facts

Drug schedule: Schedule 5

Available as: Tablets

What does it do? Triazolam is a drug to alleviate insomnia.

Overdose risk: Medium

Dependency risk: High

Available as a generic? No

Available on prescription only? Yes

User information

Onset of effect: Within 30 minutes.

Duration of action: Up to 8 hours.

Dietary advice: Triazolam may be taken with or without food.

Stopping: Sudden discontinuation may lead to withdrawal symptoms. The dosage should gradually be reduced according to the advice of your doctor.

Prolonged use: Short-term therapy is advised. Treatment should generally be no longer than 4-6 weeks, including a tapering-off process. Tolerance has been noted with long-term use. Do not take for longer periods unless strictly instructed by your doctor.

Special precautions

Never exceed the prescribed dose.

Alert your doctor before using this drug if:

• you have a known hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines,
• you have acute closed-angle glaucoma,
• you have myasthenia gravis,
• you have liver or kidney disease,
• you have a history of alcohol or substance abuse,
• you have a chronic lung disease,
• you have a mental illness or depression, or
• you suffer from sleep apnoea.

Pregnancy: Avoid. Potential risk to the foetus has been reported. Consult your doctor before use, or if you are planning to fall pregnant.

Breastfeeding: Avoid. This medication is passed through breast milk and may affect your baby adversely. Consult your doctor before use.

Porphyria: This drug is considered safe.

Infants and children: This medication is not intended for use in children.

Elderly: Use with caution as side effects may be emphasised. Dosage may need adjustment

Driving and hazardous work: This medication should be avoided as it may cause extreme sedation

Alcohol: Triazolam's effect may intensify the effect of alcohol and vice versa. Do not consume alcohol while taking this medication as side effects may be drastically pronounced.

Possible side effects:

Interactions:

Drug interactions:

Disease interactions

Consult your doctor before using this drug if you have acute closed-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, liver or kidney disease, a chronic lung disease, epilepsy, you have a mental illness or depression, or if you suffer from sleep apnoea.

Overdose action

An overdose can be serious. Seek immediate emergency medical attention. Symptoms may include poor coordination, slow breathing, tremors, drowsiness, slurred speech, confusion, slow reflexes and loss of consciousness.

Recommended dosage

0.25-0.5mg 30 minutes before bedtime

This material is not intended to substitute medical advice, but is for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific treatment and recommendations.