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.
