Major findings

Triazolam and lorazepam were similar in hypnotic effect and superior to placebo. 1

Reasons for side effects

These medications belong to the benzodiazepine class of drugs and are thought to induce sleep by acting on GABA receptors in the brain. 1 GABA receptors are receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA, which has an inhibitory effect on neuronal activity. Therefore, these drugs induce sleep by suppressing neuronal activity, but they can also cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. Lorazepam has a higher affinity for GABA receptors than triazolam, so lorazepam may be more likely to cause side effects than triazolam. 1

Common side effects

Drowsiness

Patients taking lorazepam reported more drowsiness upon awakening and more sleepiness in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon after nights on lorazepam than nights on triazolam or placebo. 1

Lightheadedness

Lorazepam was associated with three times as many reports of drowsiness, lightheadedness, restlessness, impaired coordination, dizziness, and nausea compared to triazolam or placebo. 1

Restlessness

Lorazepam was associated with three times as many reports of drowsiness, lightheadedness, restlessness, impaired coordination, dizziness, and nausea compared to triazolam or placebo. 1

Impaired coordination

Lorazepam was associated with three times as many reports of drowsiness, lightheadedness, restlessness, impaired coordination, dizziness, and nausea compared to triazolam or placebo. 1

Dizziness

Lorazepam was associated with three times as many reports of drowsiness, lightheadedness, restlessness, impaired coordination, dizziness, and nausea compared to triazolam or placebo. 1

Nausea

Lorazepam was associated with three times as many reports of drowsiness, lightheadedness, restlessness, impaired coordination, dizziness, and nausea compared to triazolam or placebo. 1

Side effects management

Drowsiness

Drowsiness is a common side effect of these medications. Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery if you experience drowsiness. 1 Getting enough sleep and avoiding caffeine can also help reduce drowsiness.

Lightheadedness

If you experience lightheadedness or dizziness, consult your doctor. You may need to adjust the dose of your medication or switch to a different medication. 1 To reduce lightheadedness or dizziness, stand up slowly and be careful not to fall.

Restlessness

If you experience restlessness, consult your doctor. You may need to adjust the dose of your medication or switch to a different medication. 1

Impaired coordination

If you experience impaired coordination, consult your doctor. You may need to adjust the dose of your medication or switch to a different medication. 1

Dizziness

If you experience dizziness, consult your doctor. You may need to adjust the dose of your medication or switch to a different medication. 1 To reduce dizziness, stand up slowly and be careful not to fall.

Nausea

If you experience nausea, consult your doctor. You may need to adjust the dose of your medication or switch to a different medication. 1

Comparison between studies

Common points of studies

These studies compared the hypnotic effects and safety of triazolam and lorazepam. 1 Both studies found that both drugs were superior to placebo in terms of hypnotic effects.

Differences between studies

These studies differed in the doses of drugs used and the study design. 1 The patient populations studied also differed. Therefore, the results of the studies cannot be directly compared.

Considerations for applying the findings in real life

These medications are effective in treating sleep disorders, but it is important to remember that they have side effects. 1 In particular, lorazepam may be more likely to cause side effects than triazolam. If you take these medications, follow your doctor's instructions and do not take them yourself or change the dose without consulting your doctor.

Limitations of current research

These studies focused on the side effects of specific medications. 1 Further research is needed on the long-term effects of these medications and their interactions with other medications.

Future research directions

Further research is needed on the long-term safety and efficacy of these medications, as well as their interactions with other medications. 1 Development of new treatments to reduce the side effects of these medications is also needed.

Conclusions

Triazolam and lorazepam are superior to placebo in terms of hypnotic effects. 1 However, lorazepam may be more likely to cause side effects than triazolam. Follow your doctor's instructions if you take these medications.