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Compare Triazolam vs. Oxazepam

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

Key takeaways

Triazolam (brand name: Halcion) and oxazepam (former brand name: Serax) are both benzodiazepines, but they are used for different purposes. Triazolam is primarily prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia, while oxazepam is used to manage short-term anxiety and prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Triazolam is taken once before bedtime, whereas oxazepam is taken 3 to 4 times a day. Triazolam works quickly to help you fall asleep but can cause next-day anxiety, while oxazepam helps control anxiety and withdrawal symptoms but isn't specifically for sleep. Both medications can cause drowsiness and dizziness, but triazolam has a higher risk of unusual sleep behaviors like sleep-driving. Oxazepam is considered safer for people with liver problems and can be used in certain children, unlike triazolam. Both medications carry risks of dependence, misuse, and withdrawal, and neither is recommended during pregnancy.

  • Triazolam (Halcion)
    Oxazepam
  • Triazolam (Halcion)
    Oxazepam

  • Summary of Triazolam vs. Oxazepam

    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

    Oxazepam is used to treat short-term anxiety, and it also works well to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It comes as a capsule that you take 3 or 4 times a day. The most common side effects of oxazepam include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and vertigo. The brand name version is no longer available, but there's a lower-cost generic version.

  • Indications of Triazolam vs. Oxazepam

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) in adults
    Indications for
    •Anxiety
    •Alcohol withdrawal

  • Pros and Cons of Triazolam vs. Oxazepam

    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
    •Lower-cost generic available
    •One of the first-choice treatment options for alcohol withdrawal
    •Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old (although you need to work with your child's provider for dosing if they're younger than 12)
    •A possible option for people with liver problems
    Cons
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking oxazepam suddenly
    •Not known if it's safe to take long-term (e.g., more than 4 months)
    •Can cause low blood pressure, so might not be safe in older adults with heart problems
    •Usually taken multiple times a day

  • Common Side Effects of Triazolam vs. Oxazepam

    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
    •Dizziness
    •Vertigo, feeling like the room is spinning
    •Headache

  • Warnings of Triazolam vs. Oxazepam

    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
    •Extreme sleepiness, slowed breathing, coma, and death
    •Potential for misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Harm to babies during pregnancy and after delivery

  • Prices with our coupons for Triazolam vs. Oxazepam

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