How long should I take Triazolam for insomnia?

Triazolam is meant for short-term use, generally between 7 and 10 days.

Can I take Triazolam if I am pregnant?

No, Triazolam is contraindicated in pregnant women because it may cause fetal damage.

Is it safe to take Triazolam with opioid pain medicine?

No, combining Triazolam with opioids can cause extreme sedation, slowed breathing, coma, or death.

What are the most common side effects of Triazolam?

The most common side effects are drowsiness, dizziness, and light-headedness.

Can I breastfeed while taking Triazolam?

It is not recommended to use Triazolam while nursing because the drug can pass into breast milk.

What should I do if I take too much Triazolam?

An overdose can cause confusion, slurred speech, or slowed breathing; seek medical help immediately.

Is Triazolam safe for elderly patients?

Elderly patients should use the lowest effective dose because they are more sensitive to the drug's effects.

How quickly does Triazolam work?

Peak levels of the drug in your blood are reached within about 2 hours after taking it orally.

Triazolam | CAS 28911-01-5 | JOFWLTCLBGQGBO

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Sedative-hypnotic

Triazolam is a sedative-hypnotic medication used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It works by affecting specific receptors in the brain to help with sleep. Because it can cause significant sedation and has risks when combined with certain other drugs, it is intended for very short-term use, typically 7 to 10 days.

How it worksTriazolam works by attaching to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, which helps calm the nervous system to induce sleep.

Brand names:HALCION

Used for

Short-term treatment of insomnia (usually 7–10 days)

Conditions

Insomnia

Class

Sedative-HypnoticBenzodiazepineSedative-hypnoticCentral Nervous System

How to take

FormsOral tablet

RoutesOral

Adults usually take 0.25 mg before bed, though 0.125 mg may be enough for some. For elderly patients, the dose should start at 0.125 mg and not exceed 0.25 mg. The maximum dose is 0.5 mg.

Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible. Do not use for more than 2-3 weeks without a doctor's reevaluation. Do not exceed a 1-month supply at one time.

Key warnings

Taking Triazolam with opioid pain medications can lead to extreme sleepiness, dangerously slow breathing, coma, and death. Use these drugs together only if no other treatment works, use the lowest possible dose, and monitor for breathing problems.

·Taking Triazolam with opioid pain medications can lead to extreme sleepiness, dangerously slow breathing, coma, and death. Use these drugs together only if no other treatment works, use the lowest possible dose, and monitor for breathing problems.
·Risk of serious breathing problems when used with opioids.
·Risk of addiction or misuse (Schedule IV controlled substance).
·Potential for severe sedation and impaired coordination.

Do not use if

·Known allergy to Triazolam or other benzodiazepines.
·Pregnancy.

Side effects

Common

DrowsinessDizzinessLight-headednessHeadache

Serious

·Severe sedation
·Respiratory depression (slowed breathing)
·Coma
·Confusion
·Impaired coordination
·Slurred speech
·Seizures
·Death

Seek help if

·How long does Triazolam stay in my system?
·Can I drink alcohol with Triazolam?
·What happens if I miss a dose of Triazolam?

Interactions

·Opioids (pain medications) increase the risk of dangerous breathing problems.
·Other drugs that cause sleepiness, such as antihistamines, alcohol, or anti-seizure medications, can increase sedation.
·Certain drugs that affect liver enzymes (CYP 3A) can change how much Triazolam stays in your body.

FoodULTANE, TRANXEENE, XCOPRI, SERAX, MYSOLINE, TOPAMAX, RESTORIL, PENTOTHAL, LIBRAX, SUPRANE, ONFI, PAXIPAM, FLUOTHANE, CENTRAX, AMIDATE

AlcoholAvoid alcohol while taking Triazolam as it can increase the sedative effects and the risk of dangerous breathing problems.

Special populations

PregnancyTriazolam should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the baby. There is also a risk that a baby born to a mother using this drug may experience withdrawal symptoms or limpness (neonatal flaccidity).

BreastfeedingIt is not recommended to take Triazolam while breastfeeding, as studies in animals suggest the drug can pass into breast milk.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of Triazolam in children and teenagers (under 18) have not been established.

GeriatricOlder adults are more sensitive to Triazolam and may experience higher levels of the drug in their blood. It is recommended to use the lowest effective dose to avoid excessive sleepiness.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Breathing rate
·Level of sedation
·Coordination and balance

Questions to ask

·Is Triazolam safe to take with my current medications?
·How long should I stay on this medication?
·What should I do if I feel excessively drowsy the next day?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetPeak plasma levels reached within 2 hours

Half-life1.5 to 5.5 hours

DurationShort mean plasma half-life

BioavailabilityNo evidence of altered systemic bioavailability in normal subjects after 7 days of use

Protein bindingExtremely high concentrations do not displace bilirubin bound to human serum albumin in vitro

MetabolismHydroxylation catalyzed by cytochrome P450 3A (CYP 3A)

ExcretionPrimarily excreted in the urine as inactive metabolites (conjugated glucuronides)

Practical

OverdoseAn overdose may cause extreme sleepiness, confusion, slurred speech, impaired coordination, slowed breathing, seizures, or coma. Death has occurred from overdose.

StorageStore at controlled room temperature between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).

Ingredients

Allergens

lactose

Inactive

cellulosecorn starchdocusate sodiumlactosemagnesium stearatesilicon dioxidesodium benzoateFD&C Blue No. 2

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.