Skip to main content
Medically Approved

Triazolam oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

twitter share buttonfacebook share buttonlinkedin share buttonemail article button
Form and strengthsDosageFAQHow it's takenCouponOverdoseAsk your doctorBoxed warnings
Doctors prescribe triazolam oral tablet for short-term treatment of insomnia (trouble sleeping). You take it by mouth once per day before bedtime.
Medically reviewed by Paul Hetrick, PharmD
Updated on

This article describes the dosages and strengths of triazolam oral tablet and explains how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for triazolam. If you want to know more about triazolam oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Triazolam oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Halcion.

Boxed warnings

Triazolam has boxed warnings about the risk of serious effects if taken with opioids, the risks of misuse and addiction, and the risks of dependence and withdrawal. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

See the end of this article for more information about these warnings.

Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care with no appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional in 15 minutes or less. Get started here.

Form and strengths of triazolam

Triazolam oral tablet comes as follows:

  • Form: tablet that you swallow
  • Strengths: 0.125 milligrams (mg), 0.25 mg

Dosage of triazolam

This article describes the recommended dosages for triazolam oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of triazolam oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of triazolam in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of triazolam oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of triazolam oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for insomnia

The recommended dosage of triazolam for insomnia (trouble sleeping) in adults is:

  • Recommended starting dosage: 0.125–0.25 milligrams (mg) once per day before bedtime
  • Maximum dosage: 0.25–0.5 mg once per day before bedtime
  • Treatment length: 7–10 days

Doctors typically prescribe triazolam for short-term use. If your doctor finds that you need to take triazolam for a longer time, you may need more evaluation or testing.

Lower dosages of triazolam are recommended for older adults (typically, people ages 65 years and older). Doctors typically recommend a starting dosage of 0.125 mg once daily and a maximum dosage of 0.25 mg once daily for older adults.

Dosage adjustments for triazolam

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of triazolam oral tablet based on several factors. These include:

  • the specific condition you are taking triazolam to treat and how severe it is
  • your age
  • other health conditions you may have

Missed dose of triazolam

If you realize you forgot to take a dose of triazolam oral tablet, talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away. Even if you’ve missed a dose, only take triazolam exactly as your doctor has prescribed. You take triazolam once daily, right before you get into bed.

For tips on how to plan your doses of triazolam oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about triazolam oral tablet and its dosage.

Can triazolam be used for sedation before dental work or anxiety?

Maybe. But triazolam oral tablet is only approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia (trouble sleeping). It’s not approved to provide sedation before dental work or to treat anxiety.

Sometimes, doctors may prescribe triazolam off-label for these or other uses. Off-label use is when a drug is prescribed for a condition other than its approved uses.

Talk with your doctor about treatment options for anxiety or medications used for sedation before dental work.

How long does it take for triazolam to start working?

Triazolam oral tablet starts working about 15–30 minutes after your dose. The effects of triazolam typically last for about 6–7 hours after you take it.

If you have more questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is triazolam taken long term?

No, doctors typically don’t prescribe triazolam oral tablet as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use.

If you have questions about how long you should take triazolam oral tablet, talk with your doctor.

How triazolam is taken

You’ll swallow triazolam oral tablet once per day before bedtime.

Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps you keep a consistent sleep schedule. And that can help make your treatment more effective.

Triazolam oral tablets are scored, which means you can cut them in half along the score line (groove) if needed. Otherwise, the drugmaker hasn’t specified whether the tablets can be crushed or chewed. Swallow them whole. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Triazolam coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for triazolam when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.

Pill bottle with text 'Starts at $4'

Free prescription coupons

Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.

Get free card

Overdose of triazolam

It’s important that you do not take more triazolam oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of triazolam overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

  • drowsiness
  • confusion
  • problems with balance
  • agitation
  • violent behavior
  • slowed or shallow breathing, which is known as respiratory depression
  • coma

What to do if you take too much triazolam

If you think you’ve taken too much triazolam, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for triazolam oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of triazolam oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take triazolam oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Will my dosage of triazolam change if I take other drugs with it?
  • How long will I take triazolam?
  • Will a higher dosage of triazolam increase my risk of side effects?

Boxed warnings for triazolam

Triazolam has boxed warnings about the risk of serious effects if taken with opioids, the risks of misuse and addiction, and the risks of dependence and withdrawal. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Because of these risks, triazolam is classified as a controlled substance in the United States. A controlled substance is a drug the government regulates due to the risk of dependence or misuse. This means doctors and pharmacists must follow strict rules when prescribing and dispensing triazolam. These rules are in place to help reduce these risks.

Risk of serious effects if taken with opioids. Taking triazolam with opioid drugs can cause serious and life threatening side effects. Examples of opioids include oxycodone (Roxicodone) and fentanyl (Actiq, Fentora, others). These side effects include severe sleepiness, slowed or shallow breathing, coma, and even death.

Due to this risk, doctors typically won’t prescribe triazolam if you’re taking opioids unless it’s the best or only treatment option. If your doctor prescribes these medications together and you experience severe side effects, call 911 or get emergency medical help right away.

Examples include:

  • trouble breathing
  • difficulty waking up or extreme sleepiness

Risks of misuse and addiction. Triazolam carries risks of misuse and addiction. Misuse means a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed. Addiction means a drug is taken, even though it may be causing harm. These risks are greater if you take larger doses than prescribed or if you take triazolam with opioids, alcohol, or illegal substances.

Misuse and addiction can lead to overdose and serious side effects. These include seizures, trouble breathing, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, coma, and even death.

Because of these risks, your doctor will prescribe triazolam at the lowest effective dosage. And they’ll prescribe it for the shortest amount of time needed.

Risks of dependence and withdrawal. Taking triazolam can lead to drug dependence, even if it’s taken as prescribed. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function as usual. You can also experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking triazolam suddenly or lower your dosage too quickly. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

  • panic attacks
  • mood changes
  • seizures

For this reason, you should not stop taking triazolam without talking with your doctor first. They’ll likely create a plan for you to gradually lower your dose over time until it’s safe for you to stop the drug completely.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about how to take and stop taking triazolam safely.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Article resources