Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Triazolam vs. Ambien

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Triazolam (Halcion) and zolpidem (Ambien) are both medications used to treat insomnia, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct characteristics. Triazolam is a benzodiazepine that works by relaxing your nervous system, while zolpidem is a GABA A receptor positive modulator that slows down brain activity to help you sleep. Triazolam is typically used for short-term treatment (7 to 10 days) and is known for its quick onset and short duration, making it effective for falling asleep but not necessarily staying asleep. On the other hand, zolpidem can be used for both falling asleep and staying asleep, with various forms available, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets, as well as sublingual tablets. Both medications carry risks of misuse, dependence, and withdrawal, but zolpidem has additional risks of abnormal sleep behaviors like sleepwalking and sleep driving. Triazolam is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential harm to the baby, while the safety of zolpidem during pregnancy is not well established. Both medications should be taken exactly as prescribed to minimize risks and side effects.

  • Triazolam (Halcion)
    Zolpidem
  • Triazolam (Halcion)
    Zolpidem

  • Summary of Triazolam vs. Ambien

    Summary for Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Triazolam (Halcion) is used to treat insomnia in adults. It belongs to the drug class called benzodiazepines. The typical dosage is one tablet by mouth before bedtime. This medication helps you sleep, but it should only be used for a short period of time, typically for 7 to 10 days at a time. In addition to sedation (sleepiness), this medication can cause side effects like headaches and dizziness. Like other benzodiazepines, triazolam (Halcion) also has other serious risks and interactions with other medications.

    Summary for GABA A receptor positive modulator
    Prescription only

    Zolpidem is a sleeping pill used to treat insomnia, a condition where you have trouble falling or staying asleep. The dose is typically taken at bedtime to help you sleep. Since it's a controlled substance, it has a risk of misuse and dependency. Zolpidem should only be taken for a short period of time, especially since the medication can cause side effects like dizziness, daytime sleepiness, sleepwalking, or sleep driving. It comes as an oral tablet or capsule that you swallow and a sublingual tablet that you place under your tongue.

  • Indications of Triazolam vs. Ambien

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) in adults
    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
    •Waking up in the middle of the night - certain sublingual tablets only

  • Pros and Cons of Triazolam vs. Ambien

    Pros and Const for Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Might start to work within 30 minutes
    •Side effects wear off quickly since it's short-acting
    •Lower-cost generic form available
    Cons
    •Only helps with falling asleep, not staying asleep
    •Can cause more nervousness during the day
    •Might not work as well if it's used long term (meant for short-term use only)
    Pros and Const for GABA A receptor positive modulator
    Pros
    •Works quickly within 15 to 30 minutes to help you feel sleepy
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Comes in multiple strengths which can be helpful to determine the right dose for you
    •Available as a tablet that dissolves under your tongue if you have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can only be used for short-term treatment of insomnia
    •Has a serious risk of nighttime sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking, sleep driving, or sleep eating
    •Can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as stomach cramps, sweating, or vomiting, when stopped suddenly
    •Is a controlled substance with a risk of misuse and dependence

  • Common Side Effects of Triazolam vs. Ambien

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (14%)
    •Headache (10%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •Nervousness (5%)
    •Lightheadedness (5%)
    •Problems with coordination or movement (5%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (7%)
    •Sleepiness (2%)
    •Dizziness (1%)
    •Diarrhea (1%)

  • Warnings of Triazolam vs. Ambien

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious risks when taking triazolam (Halcion) and opioids together
    •Potential for misuse and addiction
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Unusual behavior while sleeping
    •Changes in thoughts or behavior
    •Effects on driving and concentration
    •Difficulty breathing
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Abnormal sleep behaviors
    •Daytime sleepiness and lowered alertness
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Abnormal thoughts, behavior changes, and depression
    •Slowed breathing
    •Liver damage in people with liver problems
    •Withdrawal symptoms

  • Prices with our coupons for Triazolam vs. Ambien

    Learn more about Triazolam
    Learn more about Zolpidem

Compare other Insomnia drugs

Triazolam vs AmbienTriazolam vs AtivanTriazolam vs BelsomraTriazolam vs ButisolTriazolam vs ChlordiazepoxideTriazolam vs DalmaneTriazolam vs DoxepinTriazolam vs EstazolamTriazolam vs HetliozTriazolam vs OleptroTriazolam vs OxazepamTriazolam vs RemeronTriazolam vs SilenorValium vs TriazolamElavil vs OleptroEstazolam vs HetliozLexapro vs OleptroLunesta vs HetliozLunesta vs OleptroNefazodone vs OleptroOleptro vs RestorilOleptro vs ValiumPamelor vs OleptroPaxil vs OleptroPristiq vs OleptroProzac vs OleptroRestoril vs HetliozRozerem vs HetliozSilenor vs HetliozSonata vs Hetlioz
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.