Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.
The use of benzodiazepines, including triazolam, exposes users to risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes. Before prescribing triazolam and throughout treatment, assess each patient's risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.
The continued use of benzodiazepines, including triazolam, may lead to clinically significant physical dependence. The risks of dependence and withdrawal increase with longer treatment duration and higher daily dose. Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of triazolam after continued use may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening. To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue triazolam or reduce the dosage.
Insomnia (short-term use): Adolescents ≥18 years: Oral: 0.125 to 0.25 mg at bedtime; the lower dose of 0.125 mg at bedtime may be sufficient in some patients, such as those with low body weight; maximum daily dose: 0.5 mg/day
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; use with caution.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; use with caution.
(For additional information see "Triazolam: Drug information")
Dosage guidance:
Safety: Reduce dose or avoid use in patients receiving opioids or with significant chronic disease (eg, respiratory compromise). Avoid use in patients with a history of substance use, misuse of medications, or depression (Ref).
Dental preprocedure oral sedation (off-label use): 0.25 mg 1 hour before procedure; 0.125 mg used for elderly patients or patients sensitive to sedative effects (Ref).
Insomnia, sleep onset (alternative agent):
Note: Due to risk of next day impairment, dependence, and habituation, benzodiazepines should be reserved for patients in whom alternative, safer therapies for insomnia have failed (Ref). When used, limit long-term use (>4 weeks) to cases for which nonpharmacologic treatments are not available or not effective and benefits are felt to outweigh risks (Ref).
Oral: Initial: 0.125 to 0.25 mg once daily at bedtime, as needed; may increase daily dose to 0.5 mg at bedtime, if needed, based on response and tolerability.
Discontinuation of therapy: Reduce by 0.125 mg every 1 to 2 weeks until lowest available dose is reached, then discontinue. Patients on long-term therapy or in whom discontinuation has previously failed may benefit from a slower taper in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (Ref).
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; use with caution.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; use with caution.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
>10%: Nervous system: Drowsiness (14%)
1% to 10%:
Gastrointestinal: Nausea and vomiting (5%)
Nervous system: Ataxia (5%), dizziness (5% to 8%), headache (10%)
<1%:
Cardiovascular: Tachycardia
Dermatologic: Dermatitis
Gastrointestinal: Constipation, diarrhea, dysgeusia, xerostomia
Nervous system: Abnormal dreams, confusion, depression, dysesthesia, euphoria, insomnia, memory impairment, nightmares, pain, paresthesia
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Asthenia, muscle cramps
Ophthalmic: Visual disturbance
Otic: Tinnitus
Respiratory: Paranasal sinus congestion
Postmarketing:
Cardiovascular: Chest pain, syncope
Dermatologic: Pruritus
Endocrine & metabolic: Change in libido, menstrual disease
Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, glossalgia, glossitis, stomatitis
Genitourinary: Urinary incontinence, urinary retention
Hepatic: Jaundice
Nervous system: Abnormal behavior, aggressive behavior, agitation, anterograde amnesia, anxiety, central nervous system depression, complex sleep-related disorder, delusion, depersonalization, drug habituation, dysarthria, dystonia, falling, fatigue, hallucination, impaired consciousness, irritability, mania, rebound insomnia, restlessness, sedated state, somnambulism, withdrawal syndrome
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Muscle spasticity
Miscellaneous: Paradoxical reaction
Hypersensitivity to triazolam, other benzodiazepines, or any component of the formulation; concurrent therapy with strong cytochrome P450 3A (CYP 3A) inhibitors (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, lopinavir, ritonavir).
Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
Canadian labeling: Additional contraindications (not in the US labeling): History of paradoxical reactions to alcohol and/or sedative medications; history of substance or alcohol abuse; myasthenia gravis; narrow-angle glaucoma; pregnancy.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Amnesia: Benzodiazepines have been associated with anterograde amnesia (Nelson 1999). Traveler's amnesia (if taken to induce sleep while traveling) due to insufficient time for sleep prior to awakening and initiating activity has also been reported.
• CNS depression: May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving).
• Hypersensitivity reactions: Reports of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported with triazolam. Patients who develop angioedema should not be rechallenged with triazolam.
• Paradoxical reactions: Paradoxical reactions, including hyperactive or aggressive behavior, have been reported with benzodiazepines; risk may be increased in adolescent/pediatric patients, geriatric patients, or patients with a history of alcohol use disorder or psychiatric/personality disorders (Mancuso 2004).
• Sleep-related activities: Hazardous sleep-related activities such as sleep-driving, cooking and eating food, and making phone calls while asleep have been noted with benzodiazepines (Dolder 2008).
Disease-related concerns:
• Depression: Avoid use in patients with depression because of concerns about worsening mood symptoms, particularly if suicidal risk may be present, except for acute or emergency situations (eg, acute agitation, status epilepticus) (Craske 2022).
• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism.
• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment.
• Respiratory disease: Reduce dose or avoid use in patients with respiratory disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or sleep apnea. Benzodiazepines may cause significant respiratory depression.
• Sleep apnea: Benzodiazepines can suppress respiratory drive in patients with obstructive sleep apnea; use caution when prescribing for insomnia in this population (Webster 2020).
Special populations:
• Debilitated patients: Use with caution in debilitated patients; potential for oversedation, impaired coordination, and dizziness with use.
• Older adult: Older adult patients experience greater sedation and increased psychomotor impairment (Greenblatt 1991). Older adult patients may be at an increased risk of death with use; risk has been found highest within the first 4 months of use in older adult dementia patients (Jennum 2015; Saarelainen 2018).
• Fall risk: Use with extreme caution in patients who are at risk of falls; benzodiazepines have been associated with falls and traumatic injury (Nelson 1999).
Other warnings/precautions:
• Abuse, misuse, and substance use disorder: Counsel patients at increased risk on proper use and monitoring for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and substance use disorder. Institute early treatment or refer patients in whom substance use disorder is suspected. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required.
• Appropriate use: Does not have analgesic, antidepressant, or antipsychotic properties. Should be used only after evaluation of potential causes of sleep disturbance. Failure of sleep disturbance to resolve after 7 to 10 days may indicate psychiatric or medical illness. Use for >21 days requires complete reevaluation of patient. A worsening of insomnia or the emergence of new abnormalities of thought or behavior may represent unrecognized psychiatric or medical illness and requires immediate and careful evaluation. Prescription should be written for a maximum of 7 to 10 days and should not be prescribed in quantities exceeding a 1-month supply. Use lowest effective dose; adverse reactions of triazolam are dose related.
• Dependence and withdrawal reactions: Some patients may develop a protracted withdrawal syndrome lasting >12 months; may be difficult to differentiate withdrawal symptoms from reemergence or continuation of symptoms for which benzodiazepines were prescribed. Flumazenil may cause withdrawal in patients receiving long-term benzodiazepine therapy.
• Rebound insomnia: Following withdrawal of therapy, transient insomnia may recur accompanied by other reactions including restlessness, anxiety, and mood changes (Bélanger 2009).
• Tolerance: Triazolam is a short half-life benzodiazepine. Duration of action after a single dose is determined by redistribution rather than metabolism. Tolerance develops to the hypnotic effects (Vinkers 2012). Chronic use of this agent may increase the perioperative benzodiazepine dose needed to achieve desired effect.
• Withdrawal: A longer sleep-onset latency and increased awakenings during sleep may occur for 1 to 2 days following the discontinuation of GABA-mediated (GABAergic) medications. A more severe withdrawal syndrome may rarely occur following abrupt discontinuation or large decreases in dose after sustained use (>10 days), and is characterized by new-onset agitation, ataxia, depersonalization, dizziness, dysphoria, fatigue, headache, hypersensitivity to stimuli, irritability, muscle cramps or pain, nausea, sweating, twitching, vomiting, and weakness. This withdrawal syndrome generally resolves within weeks or upon re-initiation of the GABAergic medication. Intermittent dosing may reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms (BAP [Wilson 2019]). Use caution when reducing dose or withdrawing therapy; decrease slowly and monitor for withdrawal symptoms.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet, Oral:
Halcion: 0.25 mg [scored]
Generic: 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg
Yes
Tablets (Halcion Oral)
0.25 mg (per each): $7.01
Tablets (Triazolam Oral)
0.125 mg (per each): $3.67
0.25 mg (per each): $3.67
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet, Oral:
Generic: 0.25 mg
C-IV
Oral: Administer dose in bed, since onset of hypnotic effect is rapid; tablet may be crushed or swallowed whole
Oral: Administer on an empty stomach; do not take with a meal or immediately after a meal. Onset of action is rapid; patient should take immediately before bedtime.
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
An FDA-approved patient medication guide, which is available with the product information and at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/017892s057lbl.pdf#page=20, must be dispensed with this medication.
Short-term (generally 7-10 days) treatment of insomnia (FDA approved in ages ≥18 years and adults)
Triazolam may be confused with alPRAZolam
Halcion may be confused with halcinonide, Haldol
Beers Criteria: Triazolam is identified in the Beers Criteria as a potentially inappropriate medication to be avoided in patients 65 years and older (independent of diagnosis or condition) due to risk of abuse, misuse, physical dependence, and addiction. In addition, older adults have increased risk of impaired cognition, delirium, falls, fractures, and motor vehicle accidents with benzodiazepine use. However, benzodiazepines may be appropriate in the elderly when used for seizure disorders, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, benzodiazepine or ethanol withdrawal, severe generalized anxiety disorder, or periprocedural anesthesia (Beers Criteria [AGS 2023]).
Substrate of CYP3A4 (Major); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential;
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program
Acrivastine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Alcohol (Ethyl): CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Alcohol (Ethyl). Risk C: Monitor
Aldesleukin: May increase serum concentration of CYP Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
Alizapride: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Amisulpride (Oral): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
ARIPiprazole Lauroxil: May increase CNS depressant effects of Benzodiazepines. ARIPiprazole Lauroxil may increase hypotensive effects of Benzodiazepines. Specifically, the risk of orthostatic hypotension may be increased. Risk C: Monitor
ARIPiprazole: May increase CNS depressant effects of Benzodiazepines. ARIPiprazole may increase hypotensive effects of Benzodiazepines. Specifically, orthostatic hypotension may be increased. Risk C: Monitor
Articaine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider reducing the dose of articaine if possible when used in patients who are also receiving CNS depressants. Monitor for excessive CNS depressant effects with any combined use. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Azelastine (Nasal): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Benperidol: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Beta-Acetyldigoxin: Benzodiazepines may increase serum concentration of Beta-Acetyldigoxin. Risk C: Monitor
Blonanserin: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Blonanserin. Management: Use caution if coadministering blonanserin and CNS depressants; dose reduction of the other CNS depressant may be required. Strong CNS depressants should not be coadministered with blonanserin. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Brexanolone: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Brexanolone. Risk C: Monitor
Brimonidine (Topical): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Bromopride: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Bromperidol: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Buclizine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Bulevirtide: May increase serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
Buprenorphine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Buprenorphine. Management: Consider reduced doses of other CNS depressants, and avoiding such drugs in patients at high risk of buprenorphine overuse/self-injection. Initiate buprenorphine at lower doses in patients already receiving CNS depressants. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
BusPIRone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Cannabinoid-Containing Products. Risk C: Monitor
Certoparin: May increase serum concentration of Benzodiazepines. Risk C: Monitor
Cetirizine (Systemic): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider avoiding this combination if possible. If required, monitor for excessive sedation or CNS depression, limit the dose and duration of combination therapy, and consider CNS depressant dose reductions. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Chloral Hydrate/Chloral Betaine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Chloral Hydrate/Chloral Betaine. Management: Consider alternatives to the use of chloral hydrate or chloral betaine and additional CNS depressants. If combined, consider a dose reduction of either agent and monitor closely for enhanced CNS depressive effects. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Chlormethiazole: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Monitor closely for evidence of excessive CNS depression. The chlormethiazole labeling states that an appropriately reduced dose should be used if such a combination must be used. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Chlorphenesin Carbamate: May increase adverse/toxic effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Clofazimine: May increase serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
CloZAPine: Benzodiazepines may increase adverse/toxic effects of CloZAPine. Management: Consider decreasing the dose of (or possibly discontinuing) benzodiazepines prior to initiating clozapine. Monitor for respiratory depression, hypotension, and other toxicities if these agents are combined. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
CNS Depressants: May increase adverse/toxic effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Corticosteroids (Orally Inhaled): Benzodiazepines may increase adverse/toxic effects of Corticosteroids (Orally Inhaled). Specifically, the risk of pneumonia may be increased. Risk C: Monitor
CYP3A4 Inducers (Moderate): May decrease serum concentration of Triazolam. Risk C: Monitor
CYP3A4 Inducers (Strong): May decrease serum concentration of Triazolam. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination when possible. If combined, monitor for reduced triazolam efficacy. Substantial triazolam dose increases will likely be required. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate): May increase serum concentration of Triazolam. Management: Consider triazolam dose reduction in patients receiving concomitant moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Strong): May increase serum concentration of Triazolam. Risk X: Avoid
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Weak): May increase serum concentration of Triazolam. Risk C: Monitor
Dantrolene: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Daridorexant: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Dose reduction of daridorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of daridorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of daridorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
DexmedeTOMIDine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of DexmedeTOMIDine. Management: Monitor for increased CNS depression during coadministration of dexmedetomidine and CNS depressants, and consider dose reductions of either agent to avoid excessive CNS depression. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Difelikefalin: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Difenoxin: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Dihydralazine: CNS Depressants may increase hypotensive effects of Dihydralazine. Risk C: Monitor
Dimethindene (Topical): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Dinutuximab Beta: May increase serum concentration of CYP Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
Dothiepin: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Doxylamine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Doxylamine. Risk C: Monitor
DroPERidol: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider dose reductions of droperidol or of other CNS agents (eg, opioids, barbiturates) with concomitant use. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Elranatamab: May increase serum concentration of CYP Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
Emedastine (Systemic): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider avoiding this combination if possible. If required, monitor for excessive sedation or CNS depression, limit the dose and duration of combination therapy, and consider CNS depressant dose reductions. Risk C: Monitor
Entacapone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Epcoritamab: May increase serum concentration of CYP Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
Esketamine (Nasal): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Flunarizine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Flunarizine. Risk X: Avoid
Flunitrazepam: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Flunitrazepam. Management: Reduce the dose of CNS depressants when combined with flunitrazepam and monitor patients for evidence of CNS depression (eg, sedation, respiratory depression). Use non-CNS depressant alternatives when available. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Fusidic Acid (Systemic): May increase serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Management: Consider avoiding this combination if possible. If required, monitor patients closely for increased adverse effects of the CYP3A4 substrate. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Gepotidacin: May increase serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inhibitors). Risk X: Avoid
Givinostat: May increase serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
Glofitamab: May increase serum concentration of CYP Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
Grapefruit Juice: May increase serum concentration of Triazolam. Risk X: Avoid
HydrOXYzine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider a decrease in the CNS depressant dose, as appropriate, when used together with hydroxyzine. Increase monitoring of signs/symptoms of CNS depression in any patient receiving hydroxyzine together with another CNS depressant. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Ilaprazole: May increase serum concentration of Benzodiazepines. Risk C: Monitor
Itraconazole: May increase serum concentration of Triazolam. Risk X: Avoid
Ixabepilone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Kava Kava: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Ketotifen (Systemic): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Kratom: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Lemborexant: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Dosage adjustments of lemborexant and of concomitant CNS depressants may be necessary when administered together because of potentially additive CNS depressant effects. Close monitoring for CNS depressant effects is necessary. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Levocetirizine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Lisuride: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Lofepramine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Lofexidine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Loxapine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Loxapine. Management: Consider reducing the dose of CNS depressants administered concomitantly with loxapine due to an increased risk of respiratory depression, sedation, hypotension, and syncope. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Magnesium Sulfate: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Melatonin: May increase sedative effects of Benzodiazepines. Risk C: Monitor
Melitracen [INT]: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Mequitazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Metergoline: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Methadone: Benzodiazepines may increase CNS depressant effects of Methadone. Management: Clinicians should generally avoid concurrent use of methadone and benzodiazepines when possible; any combined use should be undertaken with extra caution. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Methotrimeprazine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Methotrimeprazine. Methotrimeprazine may increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Reduce the usual dose of CNS depressants by 50% if starting methotrimeprazine until the dose of methotrimeprazine is stable. Monitor patient closely for evidence of CNS depression. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Methoxyflurane: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Metoclopramide: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
MetyroSINE: CNS Depressants may increase sedative effects of MetyroSINE. Risk C: Monitor
Minocycline (Systemic): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Mosunetuzumab: May increase serum concentration of CYP Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
Moxonidine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Nabilone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Nalfurafine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Noscapine: CNS Depressants may increase adverse/toxic effects of Noscapine. Risk X: Avoid
OLANZapine: Benzodiazepines may increase adverse/toxic effects of OLANZapine. Management: Monitor closely for hypotension, respiratory or central nervous system depression, and bradycardia if olanzapine is combined with benzodiazepines. Use of parenteral benzodiazepines with IM olanzapine is not recommended. Risk C: Monitor
Olopatadine (Nasal): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Opicapone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Opioid Agonists: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid concomitant use of opioid agonists and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Opipramol: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Orphenadrine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Orphenadrine. Risk X: Avoid
Oxomemazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Oxybate Salt Products: Benzodiazepines may increase CNS depressant effects of Oxybate Salt Products. Risk X: Avoid
OxyCODONE: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of OxyCODONE. Management: Avoid concomitant use of oxycodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Paliperidone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Paraldehyde: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Paraldehyde. Risk X: Avoid
Perampanel: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Periciazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Pipamperone: May increase adverse/toxic effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Piribedil: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Piribedil. Risk C: Monitor
Pizotifen: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Pramipexole: CNS Depressants may increase sedative effects of Pramipexole. Risk C: Monitor
Procarbazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
RaNITIdine: May increase serum concentration of Triazolam. Risk C: Monitor
Rilmenidine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Ritlecitinib: May increase serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b: CNS Depressants may increase adverse/toxic effects of Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b. Specifically, the risk of neuropsychiatric adverse effects may be increased. Management: Avoid coadministration of ropeginterferon alfa-2b and other CNS depressants. If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients for neuropsychiatric adverse effects (eg, depression, suicidal ideation, aggression, mania). Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
ROPINIRole: CNS Depressants may increase sedative effects of ROPINIRole. Risk C: Monitor
Rotigotine: CNS Depressants may increase sedative effects of Rotigotine. Risk C: Monitor
Spironolactone: May increase serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
Suvorexant: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Suvorexant. Management: Dose reduction of suvorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of suvorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of suvorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Talquetamab: May increase serum concentration of CYP Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
Tarlatamab: May increase serum concentration of CYP Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
Teclistamab: May increase serum concentration of CYP Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
Teduglutide: May increase serum concentration of Benzodiazepines. Risk C: Monitor
Thalidomide: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Thalidomide. Risk X: Avoid
Theophylline Derivatives: May decrease therapeutic effects of Benzodiazepines. Risk C: Monitor
Tipranavir: May increase serum concentration of Triazolam. Risk X: Avoid
Treosulfan: May increase serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
Trimeprazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Trofinetide: May increase serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
Valerian: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Xanomeline: May increase serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
Yohimbine: May decrease therapeutic effects of Antianxiety Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Zolpidem: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Zolpidem. Management: Reduce the Intermezzo brand sublingual zolpidem adult dose to 1.75 mg for men who are also receiving other CNS depressants. No such dose change is recommended for women. Avoid use with other CNS depressants at bedtime; avoid use with alcohol. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Zuranolone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider alternatives to the use of zuranolone with other CNS depressants or alcohol. If combined, consider a zuranolone dose reduction and monitor patients closely for increased CNS depressant effects. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Benzodiazepine serum concentrations may be increased by grapefruit juice. Management: Limit or avoid grapefruit juice (Sugimoto 2006).
A case report describes placental transfer of triazolam following a maternal overdose (>20 triazolam 0.125 mg tablets) (Sakai 1996).
In utero exposure to benzodiazepines has the potential to cause harm to the fetus. Teratogenic effects have been observed in some studies; however, a clear association has not been reported and additional data are needed (Bellantuono 2013; Chuang 2024; Freeman 2018; Grigoriadis 2019; Tinker 2019; Wu 2024). Exposure to a benzodiazepine late in pregnancy may cause neonatal sedation (hypotonia, lethargy, respiratory depression) and/or symptoms of neonatal withdrawal (feeding difficulties, hyperreflexia, inconsolable crying, irritability, restlessness, tremors). Monitor newborns exposed to triazolam in utero for adverse events. Data related to long-term effects on neurodevelopment following maternal use of benzodiazepines are inconclusive (Andrade 2024; Radojčić 2017; Sundbakk 2025; Wang 2022).
Treatment for insomnia in pregnant patients should be individualized. Untreated insomnia may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although recommendations vary, nonpharmacologic therapy is preferred as an initial treatment of insomnia during pregnancy (BAP [McAllister-Williams 2017]; BAP [Wilson 2019]; Palagini 2022).
Data collection to monitor pregnancy and infant outcomes following exposure to triazolam is ongoing. Health care providers are encouraged to enroll patients exposed to triazolam during pregnancy in the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications (866-961-2388).
Daytime alertness; respiratory rate; behavior profile
Short-acting benzodiazepine (Griffin 2013). Binds to stereospecific benzodiazepine receptors on the postsynaptic GABA neuron at several sites within the central nervous system, including the limbic system and reticular formation. Enhancement of the inhibitory effect of GABA on neuronal excitability results by increased neuronal membrane permeability to chloride ions. This shift in chloride ions results in hyperpolarization (a less excitable state) and stabilization. Benzodiazepine receptors and effects appear to be linked to the GABA-A receptors. Benzodiazepines do not bind to GABA-B receptors (Vinkers 2012).
Onset of action: Hypnotic: 15 to 30 minutes (Pakes 1981)
Duration of action:
Classified as a short-acting benzodiazepine; classification based on benzodiazepines with half-life 1 to 12 hours (Griffin 2013).
Indication-specific duration:
Hypnotic: 6 to 7 hours
Distribution: Vd: 0.6 to 1.7 L/kg (Pakes 1981)
Protein binding: 89% (Pakes 1981)
Metabolism: Extensively hepatic; hydroxylation via CYP3A4 (initial step in metabolism) with subsequent glucuronide conjugation to 6 metabolites, including a short-acting active metabolite, alpha-hydroxytriazolam (Pakes 1981)
Half-life elimination: 1.5 to 5.5 hours
Time to peak: Oral: Within 2 hours
Excretion: Urine (~80% as metabolites; small amounts as unchanged drug)
Older adult: Cmax and AUC are increased; clearance is decreased (Greenblatt 1991).
Molecular weight: 343.21.