Triazolam, sold under the brand name Halcion among others, is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant tranquilizer of the triazolobenzodiazepine (TBZD) class, which are benzodiazepine (BZD) derivatives.[4] It possesses pharmacological properties similar to those of other benzodiazepines, but it is generally only used as a sedative to treat severe insomnia.[5] In addition to the hypnotic properties, triazolam's amnesic, anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties are pronounced as well.[6]
Triazolam was initially patented in 1970 and went on sale in the United States in 1982.[7] In 2017, it was the 289th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than one million prescriptions.[8]