Compare Triazolam vs. Butisol

Triazolam (Halcion) and butabarbital (Butisol) are both medications used to help with sleep, but they belong to different drug classes. Triazolam is a benzodiazepine, while butabarbital is a barbiturate. Triazolam is FDA-approved for short-term treatment of insomnia in adults and is available as a generic medication. It is typically taken as a single oral dose before bedtime. Butabarbital, on the other hand, was a fast-acting sleep medication that has been discontinued in the U.S., with no brand or generic options available. Triazolam is a Schedule IV controlled substance, indicating a lower potential for abuse compared to butabarbital, which was a Schedule III controlled substance. Common side effects of triazolam include sleepiness, headache, and dizziness, while butabarbital was known to be habit-forming and addicting. Triazolam can interact with other medications like certain antibiotics and antifungals, whereas butabarbital's interactions are less relevant now due to its discontinuation.