Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Valium vs. Triazolam

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

Key takeaways

Diazepam (Valium) and triazolam (Halcion) are both benzodiazepines, but they are used for different purposes. Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, and seizures, while triazolam is used to treat insomnia. Diazepam can be taken as a tablet or liquid solution multiple times a day, whereas triazolam is taken as a tablet only once before bedtime. Diazepam works by raising levels of GABA in the brain to calm you down, while triazolam helps you sleep by relaxing your nervous system. Diazepam can be used for longer periods but carries a higher risk of dependence and misuse. Triazolam, on the other hand, is meant for short-term use, typically 7 to 10 days, due to its potential for causing next-day anxiety and other side effects. Both medications can cause sleepiness and dizziness, but triazolam is known for its short-acting effects, which wear off quickly.

  • Diazepam (Valium)
    Triazolam (Halcion)
  • Diazepam (Valium)
    Triazolam (Halcion)

  • Summary of Valium vs. Triazolam

    Summary for Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine. It's used to treat symptoms of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. It can also treat certain types of muscle spasms and seizures. Diazepam (Valium) comes as a tablet and liquid solution. It's taken by mouth, typically 2 to 4 times daily. Some common side effects of diazepam (Valium) include sleepiness, dizziness, and weakness. Additionally, this medication carries a risk for misuse and dependence, so it's classified as a controlled substance.

    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.

  • Indications of Valium vs. Triazolam

    Indications for
    •Anxiety disorders and short-term anxiety symptoms
    •Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
    •Muscle spasms or spasticity from certain conditions, such as cerebral palsy and stiff-person syndrome (SPS)
    •Add-on to other medications for seizures
    Indications for
    •Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Valium vs. Triazolam

    Pros and Const for Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as tablets and liquid
    •Works within 30 minutes
    Cons
    •Might need to take multiple times a day
    •Short-term use only because risk for dependence
    •Generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    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)

  • Common Side Effects of Valium vs. Triazolam

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Muscle weakness
    •Problems with balance or coordination
    •Memory problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (14%)
    •Headache (10%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •Nervousness (5%)
    •Lightheadedness (5%)
    •Problems with coordination or movement (5%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (5%)

  • Warnings of Valium vs. Triazolam

    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness and difficulty breathing
    •Misuse and dependence
    •Withdrawal
    •Harm to babies during pregnancy and after delivery
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Use with caution in people with depression
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Valium vs. Triazolam

    Learn more about Diazepam
    Learn more about Triazolam

Compare other Anxiety and Insomnia drugs

Ambien vs ValiumAtarax vs ValiumAtivan vs ValiumFlexeril vs ValiumLibrium vs ValiumOleptro vs ValiumProzac vs ValiumRobaxin vs ValiumSonata vs ValiumTizanidine vs ValiumValium vs ChlordiazepoxideValium vs GablofenValium vs KlonopinValium vs NeurontinValium vs NorflexValium vs NorgesicValium vs OxazepamValium vs TegretolValium vs TriazolamValium vs UnisomValium vs XanaxZoloft vs ValiumAtarax vs AtivanAtivan vs AdderallAtivan vs LibriumAtivan vs XanaxBuspar vs AtivanHaldol vs AtivanKlonopin vs AtivanLunesta vs Ativan
View More

Browse medications

View All

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