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.
