This article describes possible side effects of triazolam oral tablet. You can explore this overview article to learn more about triazolam, including the drug’s uses, ways to save on cost, and more.
Triazolam oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Halcion.
Boxed warnings
Triazolam oral tablet has boxed warnings about the following risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- risk of serious harm if taken with opioids
- risk of misuse and addiction
- risk of dependence and withdrawal
For details on the risk of serious harm if taken with opioids, see the “Side effects of triazolam in detail” section below. For more information about other risks, see the “Withdrawal, dependence, and misuse and triazolam” section below.
More common side effects of triazolam
Triazolam oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of triazolam oral tablet include:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- problems with coordination and balance
Mild side effects of triazolam
Triazolam may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of triazolam oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- body cramps or pain
- changes to sense of taste
- confusion
- constipation
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- feeling nervous
- headache
- lightheadedness
- nausea
- vomiting
- mild allergic reaction*
Triazolam oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of triazolam in detail” section below.
Serious side effects of triazolam
Triazolam may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from triazolam oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with triazolam.
Serious side effects of triazolam oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- new or worsening depression, which can result in suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- new or worsening daytime anxiety
- severe memory problems, including memory loss
- slowed brain activity, which can affect your ability to think and body movements
- hallucinations
- urinary retention
- unusual thinking and behaviors*
- unusual sleep behaviors*
- risk of serious harm if taken with opioids†
- risk of misuse and addiction‡
- risk of dependence and withdrawal‡
- severe allergic reaction*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of triazolam in detail” section below.
† Triazolam oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of triazolam in detail” section below.
‡ Triazolam oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Withdrawal, dependence, and misuse and triazolam” section below.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
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Get free cardCommon questions about side effects of triazolam
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of triazolam oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Are dental side effects possible with triazolam?
Maybe. Some oral side effects have been reported with triazolam since the drug was approved for use. But since these side effects were not reported in the drug’s studies, it’s not known whether triazolam or other factors were the cause.
Oral side effects reported with triazolam since it was approved for use include mouth sores and inflammation or discomfort in the tongue. No specific dental side effects affecting the teeth have been noted.
Dentists sometimes prescribe triazolam off-label for sedation during a dental procedure. Since triazolam may cause drowsiness and dizziness, it’s important to have someone drive you to and from your dental appointment if you’re prescribed the drug for this purpose.
Talk with your doctor or dentist if you have concerns about dental-related side effects of triazolam.
Can triazolam cause changes in blood pressure?
Possibly. Syncope (fainting) and low blood pressure have been reported with triazolam since the drug was approved for use. (In some cases, low blood pressure can cause fainting.) But these side effects were not seen in studies of triazolam, so it isn’t known for sure that the drug was the cause in these reports.
Let your doctor know if you experience fainting or changes in blood pressure while taking triazolam. They’ll likely recommend making an appointment so they can assess your symptoms and determine possible causes.
Is triazolam safe for older adults?
Possibly. Older adults (ages 65 years and older) are at higher risk of certain side effects triazolam may cause, including drowsiness and memory loss. These side effects are related to the dose of triazolam you take. The risk increases with higher dosages.
If you’re an older adult, it’s important to review the benefits and risks of triazolam with your doctor. Although older adults are at higher risk of certain side effects, the benefits of treatment may still outweigh the risks depending on the severity of your insomnia and other factors.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about the risks and benefits of taking triazolam if you’re an older adult. If you agree the benefits outweigh the risks, your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose of triazolam that effectively manages your symptoms.
Does triazolam cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases, triazolam oral tablet may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time, or they may last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug. Keep in mind that triazolam is only approved for short-term use to treat insomnia. It’s not approved for long-term use.
Examples of long-term side effects reported with triazolam oral tablet include:
- risk of misuse and addiction*
- risk of dependence and withdrawal*
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of triazolam may last.
* Triazolam oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Withdrawal, dependence, and misuse and triazolam” section below.
Withdrawal, dependence, and misuse and triazolam
Like other benzodiazepine drugs, treatment with triazolam carries a risk of misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal. Triazolam has a boxed warning regarding these risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Withdrawal. Withdrawal describes symptoms that can occur when you stop taking a drug your body is dependent on.
- Dependence. With dependence, your body needs the drug in order to function like usual.
- Misuse. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed.
- Addiction. With addiction, you consistently misuse a drug despite it causing harm
These risks can lead to life threatening side effects, including overdose. This risk is further increased if triazolam is taken with certain other substances, including alcohol and opioids.*
Your doctor will carefully evaluate your risk for these warnings before prescribing triazolam to you. If you have a substance use disorder, your doctor may suggest a different treatment than triazolam.
Your risk of dependence and withdrawal increases the longer you use triazolam and if you use a higher dose. Triazolam is approved only for short-term use (up to 10 consecutive days) for treating insomnia. Instead of suddenly ending triazolam treatment, your doctor may suggest lowering your dose over a few days to complete the treatment. This is known as a drug taper. This helps lower your risk of withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug.
Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about any of these risks and triazolam treatment.
* Triazolam oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of triazolam in detail” section below.
Side effects of triazolam in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of triazolam oral tablet.
Risk of serious harm if taken with opioids
Triazolam oral tablet has a boxed warning for the risk of serious harm if taken with opioids. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Using both triazolam and an opioid drug can cause serious side effects and harm, including:
- extreme drowsiness
- respiratory depression (slowed breathing)
- coma
- in extreme cases, death
Examples of opioid drugs include oxycodone (Oxycontin, others) and morphine (MS Contin, others). The illegal drug heroin is also an opioid.
Due to these risks, your doctor will only prescribe triazolam and an opioid if no other treatments are suitable or work to treat your symptoms. If this is the case and you must take both triazolam and an opioid, your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose for the shortest time needed to treat your symptoms.
Ways to manage
Due to these risks, you should avoid driving or operating machinery if you’re prescribed both an opioid and triazolam until you know how this treatment affects you.
If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of respiratory depression, you or someone close by should call 911 or get you to the closest emergency room.
Unusual sleep behaviors
In studies, unusual sleep behaviors were rare in people taking triazolam oral tablet. These side effects may be serious.
Unusual sleep behaviors reported with triazolam include:
- sleep driving
- preparing and consuming food
- making phone calls
- sleep sex
Certain factors can increase the risk of unusual sleep behaviors with triazolam oral tablet. These factors include:
- consuming alcohol while taking triazolam
- taking a higher dose of triazolam than prescribed
- taking triazolam together with certain other medications, including zolpidem (Ambien)
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of unusual sleep behaviors while taking triazolam, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend stopping treatment with triazolam. They can review other possible treatments for insomnia with you instead.
Unusual thinking and behaviors
In studies, unusual thinking and behaviors were rare in people taking triazolam oral tablet. These side effects may be serious.
Unusual thinking and behaviors reported with triazolam include:
- derealization (a detachment or altered perception of your surroundings) or depersonalization
- severe confusion or disorientation
- severe aggressiveness, agitation, or restlessness
- mania
Certain factors can increase the risk of unusual thinking and behaviors with triazolam oral tablet. These include having an existing mental health condition, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of unusual thinking and behaviors while using triazolam, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend stopping treatment with the drug. They can review other possible treatments for insomnia with you.
Allergic reaction
For some people, triazolam oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to triazolam oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for triazolam
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking triazolam oral tablet.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the following risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- risk of serious harm if taken with opioids
- risk of misuse and addiction
- risk of dependence and withdrawal
For details on the risk of serious harm if taken with opioids, see the “Side effects of triazolam in detail” section above. For more information about other risks, see the “Withdrawal, dependence, and misuse and triazolam” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take triazolam oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether triazolam oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking triazolam oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Factors to consider include:
- lung conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- sleep apnea
- mental health condition, such as depression or bipolar disorder
- use of certain antifungal medications, including ketoconazole
- take a protease inhibitor, such as ritonavir
- take the antidepressant medication nefazodone
- substance use disorder, such as alcoholism or opioid use disorder
- past allergic reaction to triazolam
Triazolam and pregnancy
Triazolam oral tablet should not be used during late pregnancy unless you and your doctor agree the benefits outweigh the risks. Using triazolam during this time may cause serious side effects, including respiratory depression (slowed breathing), withdrawal symptoms, and severe drowsiness in the child after birth.
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with triazolam. If you take triazolam during pregnancy, consider signing up for the pregnancy registry for mental health drugs. This registry helps collect data on the safety of certain medications when used during pregnancy. You can learn more or sign up for the registry by calling 1-866-961-2388 or visiting this site.
Triazolam and breastfeeding
Triazolam oral tablet may cause side effects in a breastfed child if you take the drug while breastfeeding.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with triazolam. Alternatively, your doctor may suggest that you pump and then throw away breastmilk during treatment and for 28 hours after your last dose of triazolam to help minimize exposing your child to the drug.
Triazolam and alcohol
Triazolam oral tablet is known to interact with alcohol. Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol while you’re taking triazolam. Drinking alcohol while taking triazolam raises the risk of serious side effects of triazolam, including unusual sleep behaviors. It also raises the risk of a triazolam overdose.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with triazolam oral tablet.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of triazolam oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How do side effects of triazolam compare with those of temazepam?
- Can you tell me more about dose-related side effects of triazolam?
- Do I have a higher risk of side effects than others?
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.