Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Triazolam vs. Hetlioz

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

Key takeaways

Triazolam (Halcion) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) are both prescription medications used to help with sleep problems, but they work in different ways and are used for different conditions. Triazolam is a benzodiazepine used to treat insomnia in adults, while tasimelteon is a melatonin receptor agonist used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder in adults and sleep disturbances in people with Smith-Magenis Syndrome. Triazolam is a short-acting medication taken as a tablet before bedtime and is only meant for short-term use due to risks of dependence and withdrawal. Tasimelteon, on the other hand, is taken as a capsule or liquid suspension about an hour before bed and is not habit-forming. Triazolam can cause side effects like sleepiness, headaches, and dizziness, and it interacts with alcohol and certain medications like opioids. Tasimelteon can cause headaches and unusual dreams and has many drug interactions, including fluvoxamine, metoprolol, and rifampin.

  • Triazolam (Halcion)
    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz)
  • Triazolam (Halcion)
    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz)

  • Summary of Triazolam vs. Hetlioz

    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 Melatonin receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) is a prescription medication that treats specific sleep problems, including non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder (non-24) in adults and sleep disturbances in both children and adults with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS). It comes as capsules for adults and a liquid suspension for children. The dosage is typically taken by mouth at the same time every night, about 1 hour before bed. Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) can potentially interact with many medications. Common side effects include headache and nightmares or unusual dreams.

  • Indications of Triazolam vs. Hetlioz

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) in adults
    Indications for
    •Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder (non-24) in adults
    •Nighttime sleep disturbances in children and adults with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS)

  • Pros and Cons of Triazolam vs. Hetlioz

    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 Melatonin receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Only FDA-approved medication to help people with non-24 and SMS maintain a regular sleep cycle
    •Not a controlled substance so it's not habit forming
    •Available as a liquid suspension for children with SMS
    Cons
    •Can take weeks to months for you to notice any effect
    •Must be taken at the same time every night
    •Interacts with many medications, such as rifampin, fluvoxamine, and metoprolol

  • Common Side Effects of Triazolam vs. Hetlioz

    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
    •Headache (17%)
    •Abnormal liver tests (10%)
    •Nightmares or unusual dreams (10%)

  • Warnings of Triazolam vs. Hetlioz

    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
    •Sleepiness
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Triazolam vs. Hetlioz

    Learn more about Triazolam
    Learn more about Tasimelteon

Compare other Insomnia drugs

Triazolam vs AmbienTriazolam vs AtivanTriazolam vs BelsomraTriazolam vs ButisolTriazolam vs ChlordiazepoxideTriazolam vs DalmaneTriazolam vs DoxepinTriazolam vs EstazolamTriazolam vs HetliozTriazolam vs OleptroTriazolam vs OxazepamTriazolam vs RemeronTriazolam vs SilenorValium vs TriazolamAtarax vs AtivanAtivan vs AdderallElavil vs OleptroLexapro vs OleptroLunesta vs OleptroNefazodone vs OleptroOleptro vs RestorilOleptro vs ValiumPamelor vs OleptroPaxil vs OleptroPristiq vs OleptroProzac vs OleptroRemeron vs OleptroRozerem vs OleptroSonata vs OleptroViibryd vs Oleptro
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.