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Compare Triazolam vs. Estazolam

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

Key takeaways

Triazolam (Halcion) and estazolam are both benzodiazepines used to treat insomnia, but they have some key differences. Triazolam is primarily used to help you fall asleep and is short-acting, meaning its effects wear off quickly. In contrast, estazolam can help you both fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Triazolam is available in both brand and generic forms, while estazolam is only available as a generic since the brand name (Prosom) is no longer on the market. Both medications are controlled substances with risks of misuse, dependence, and withdrawal, but estazolam has a higher chance of common side effects like sleepiness and headache. Both medications should be used short-term and under close supervision to minimize risks.

  • Triazolam (Halcion)
    Estazolam (Prosom)
  • Triazolam (Halcion)
    Estazolam (Prosom)

  • Summary of Triazolam vs. Estazolam

    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 Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Estazolam (Prosom) is a sleeping pill that can help adults with insomnia fall asleep and stay asleep. It's a benzodiazepine medication that's not a first-choice treatment option for trouble sleeping, and it's only meant for short-term use since it can be habit-forming. It comes as a tablet that you take by mouth right before you get into bed. It's only available as a generic since the brand-name medication, Prosom, is no longer on the market. In addition to causing sleepiness, other common side effects can include headache, weakness, and nervousness.

  • Indications of Triazolam vs. Estazolam

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) in adults
    Indications for
    •Short-term treatment of insomnia

  • Pros and Cons of Triazolam vs. Estazolam

    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 Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Helps you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Don't need to take every day for it to work well
    Cons
    •Is a controlled substance, so there is a risk for misuse and dependency
    •Can cause sleep-driving or unusual behaviors during sleep
    •Might not be safe in older adults since it raises the risk of falls

  • Common Side Effects of Triazolam vs. Estazolam

    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
    •Sleepiness (42%)
    •Headache (16%)
    •Weakness (11%)
    •Slow muscle movement (8%)
    •Nervousness (8%)
    •Dizziness (7%)
    •General discomfort (5%)

  • Warnings of Triazolam vs. Estazolam

    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
    •Sedation and difficulty breathing
    •Misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Abnormal behaviors during sleep
    •Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

  • Prices with our coupons for Triazolam vs. Estazolam

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