Triazolam

Triazolam

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Benzodiazepine Very Addictive High Abuse Potential
Sedating: Yes Driving: Avoid QT risk: None Akathisia: None Metabolic: Low Prolactin: Low t½: 3 h Tmax: 1 h

A very short-acting benzo that used to be popular for insomnia. These days it’s barely used in the UK because it wears off too fast, often leaving people awake again at 3am — or worse, with memory blackouts. Notorious in the 1990s for stories of “Halcion zombies.” Still prescribed in a few places abroad, but in the UK it’s practically retired.

Uses • Warnings

🩺 Main Uses

Short-term insomnia (sleep onset).

🧪 The Science & Facts

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Half‑life (t½)

3 h

How long the drug hangs around. Longer half‑life = slower changes.

Time to Peak (Tmax)

1 h

Roughly when you feel the main effect after a dose.

What it hits (receptors)

Primary:

GABA-A (positive allosteric modulator)

Ultra-short half-life; rebound insomnia common.

How your body processes it (metabolism)

Substrate: CYP3A4

Strong CYP3A4 interactions; avoid azoles/macrolides.

⚠️ Warnings

  • Very short-acting benzo, mostly for sleep initiation.
  • High risk of amnesia, confusion, and bizarre behaviours (sleepwalking, sleep-driving).
  • Dependence forms quickly.
  • Withdrawal severe, even after short use.
  • Rarely prescribed long-term due to risks.

Benzo detected — read this first

Benzodiazepines and Z‑drugs can cause severe dependence and withdrawal. Never stop abruptly.

Street Benzo Warning (UK)

High rates of contamination reported by WEDINOS. Fake Xanax is common.

For tapering, see the Ashton Manual and the TripSit Converter.

💊 Open Benzo Converter

⏬ Taper & Withdrawal

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If you’re reducing

Avoid long-term use; taper carefully if dependence develops.

Possible withdrawal

Rebound insomnia, agitation, seizures in abrupt withdrawal.

Info here is educational, not medical advice. Always taper with prescriber support if possible.

🧠 Trusted External Sources Last reviewed 22 Aug 2025, 21:28 by Connor O’Driscoll

🔗 Interaction Checker

Always verify drug interactions using the Drugs.com Checker.

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⚠️ Black Box Warning

High risk of dependence and rebound insomnia. All benzos: ↑ mortality with opioids.

This is a plain‑English summary of headline safety warnings. Talk to a clinician before changing any medication.