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Compare Triazolam vs. Silenor

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

Key takeaways

Triazolam (Halcion) and Silenor (doxepin) are both used to treat insomnia, but they work in different ways and have distinct characteristics. Triazolam is a benzodiazepine that helps you fall asleep by relaxing your nervous system. It's a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and addiction, and it's typically prescribed for short-term use (7 to 10 days). Common side effects include sleepiness, headaches, and dizziness. On the other hand, Silenor is a tricyclic antidepressant tablet that helps you stay asleep by blocking histamine receptors in the brain. It is not addictive and is not a controlled substance. Silenor should be taken on an empty stomach and can cause sleepiness and tiredness. Both medications should not be mixed with alcohol due to increased risks of dangerous behaviors while not fully awake.

  • Triazolam (Halcion)
    Doxepin (Silenor)
  • Triazolam (Halcion)
    Doxepin (Silenor)

  • Summary of Triazolam vs. Silenor

    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 (Silenor) is a tricyclic antidepressant that's used to help adults who have insomnia (trouble sleeping) stay asleep. Doxepin (Silenor) is a tablet that you take by mouth 30 minutes before bedtime. As expected, the most common side effects are sleepiness and tiredness, so only take the medication when you're ready to fall asleep for the night. Unlike some other sleep medications, doxepin (Silenor) isn't considered a controlled substance. Doxepin (Silenor) is available as brand-name and generic versions.

  • Indications of Triazolam vs. Silenor

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) in adults
    Indications for
    •Insomnia (specifically trouble staying asleep)

  • Pros and Cons of Triazolam vs. Silenor

    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 once a day close to bedtime
    •Few side effects (other than sleepiness)
    •Non-addictive sleep medication
    Cons
    •Shouldn't take with food (must take at least 3 hours before or after food)
    •Risk of doing activities while you're not fully awake and not remembering that you did them the next day
    •Not approved for people younger than 18 years of age

  • Common Side Effects of Triazolam vs. Silenor

    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 or tiredness (up to 9%)

  • Warnings of Triazolam vs. Silenor

    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
    •Check for other causes of insomnia
    •Behavior changes
    •Worsened depression and risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Sleepiness and tiredness

  • Prices with our coupons for Triazolam vs. Silenor

    Learn more about Triazolam
    Learn more about Doxepin

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