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Compare Triazolam vs. Doxepin

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

Key takeaways

Triazolam (Halcion) and doxepin (Sinequan) are both prescription medications that can be used to treat insomnia, although that is an off-label use for the Sinequan generic. Triazolam is a benzodiazepine, while doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Triazolam is specifically FDA-approved for short-term treatment of insomnia, whereas doxepin is approved for depression and anxiety. Triazolam is taken as a single oral dose before bedtime, typically 0.25 mg, and is available as a generic. Doxepin is taken in doses ranging from 75 mg to 150 mg daily and is also available in generic form. Triazolam can cause side effects like sleepiness, headaches, and dizziness, and is a Schedule IV controlled substance because it can lead to misuse and dependence. Doxepin can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and bluured vision and is not a controlled substance. Both medications should not be mixed with alcohol. Triazolam can cause life-threatening side effects if taken with opioids, while doxepin can increase the risk for serotonin syndrome, especially when mixed with other medications that increase serotonin.

  • Triazolam (Halcion)
    Doxepin (Sinequan)
  • Triazolam (Halcion)
    Doxepin (Sinequan)

  • Summary of Triazolam vs. Doxepin

    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 Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Doxepin (Sinequan) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It comes as a capsule that's taken by mouth to treat depression or anxiety in people over the age of 12. But it's not a first-choice option for these conditions because of the risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and weight gain. The typical dose of doxepin (Sinequan) ranges from 75 mg to 150 mg by mouth once daily. It's available as a generic capsule and oral solution; the brand name (Sinequan) is discontinued. <br> Note: Doxepin (Silenor) tablets are FDA-approved for insomnia.

  • Indications of Triazolam vs. Doxepin

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) in adults
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Anxiety

  • Pros and Cons of Triazolam vs. Doxepin

    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 Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Typically taken once daily
    •Available as oral capsules and solution
    Cons
    •Need to avoid alcohol while taking it
    •Can take 2 to 3 weeks before you notice the full effects for depression
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication suddenly

  • Common Side Effects of Triazolam vs. Doxepin

    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
    •Blurred vision
    •Dry mouth
    •Constipation
    •Trouble passing urine

  • Warnings of Triazolam vs. Doxepin

    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
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Unmasking of bipolar disorder
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drowsiness

  • Prices with our coupons for Triazolam vs. Doxepin

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