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Compare Triazolam vs. Belsomra

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

Key takeaways

Triazolam (Halcion) and Belsomra (suvorexant) are both used to treat insomnia, but they work in different ways and belong to different medication classes. Triazolam is a benzodiazepine that helps you sleep by relaxing your nervous system, while Belsomra is an orexin receptor antagonist that blocks a chemical in the brain that keeps you awake. Triazolam is available in a lower-cost generic form, but Belsomra is only available as a brand-name medication, making it more expensive. Triazolam is typically used for short-term treatment (7 to 10 days) due to its risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms, whereas Belsomra can also be habit-forming but is noted for not usually causing withdrawal symptoms after stopping. Both medications can cause drowsiness and have serious risks if mixed with alcohol or other CNS depressants, but Belsomra may also cause unusual sleep behaviors like sleep-walking or sleep-driving. Additionally, Belsomra is not recommended for people with narcolepsy, while triazolam is not safe during pregnancy.

  • Triazolam (Halcion)
    Belsomra (suvorexant)
  • Triazolam (Halcion)
    Belsomra (suvorexant)

  • Summary of Triazolam vs. Belsomra

    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 Orexin receptor antagonist
    Prescription only

    Belsomra (suvorexant) is used to treat insomnia in adults. It's helpful for those who have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep. This sleep medication belongs to the drug class called orexin receptor antagonists. You take a dosage within 30 minutes of bedtime as needed for sleep. It's common to feel drowsy the next day as a side effect. Belsomra (suvorexant) is a controlled substance because of the risk of misuse and becoming habit-forming. It's available as a brand-name medication only.

  • Indications of Triazolam vs. Belsomra

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) in adults
    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep)

  • Pros and Cons of Triazolam vs. Belsomra

    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 Orexin receptor antagonist
    Pros
    •Might be another option if other sleep aids don't work
    •Works within an hour to help most people fall asleep
    Cons
    •Must have at least 7 hours of planned sleep before taking
    •Not recommended for long-term use
    •Not for people with narcolepsy

  • Common Side Effects of Triazolam vs. Belsomra

    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
    •Drowsiness (7%)
    •Headache (7%)

  • Warnings of Triazolam vs. Belsomra

    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
    •Feeling drowsy and having trouble focusing the next day
    •Risk of worsening of depression and suicidal thoughts
    •Doing things while asleep
    •Sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and weakness in the legs
    •Caution use in people with breathing problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Triazolam vs. Belsomra

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