Triazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia (hypnotic agent). This drug binds to various regions of the brain and spinal cord where GABA A receptors are. It binds to an allosteric site between the alpha and gamma subunits of the receptor increasing the inhibitory effects of GABA. Benzodiazepines bind nonspecifically to BNZ1, which acts on sleep, and BNZ2, which acts on muscle relaxation, anticonvulsant activity, motor coordination, and memory. These receptors are thought to be coupled to gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors, this enhances the effects of GABA by increasing GABA affinity for the GABA receptor. In consequence, when GABA binds the site, it opens the chloride channel, resulting in a hyperpolarized cell membrane. Since the neuron cell is hyperpolarized, it prevents further excitation of the cell. Triazolam is administered orally as a tablet. Overdosing of triazolam usually has the symptoms of more intense therapeutic effects with extreme overdosage leading to coma, cardio-respiratory depression, and apnoea. Due to its high affinity for plasma proteins, diazepam also has a high volume of distribution and can cross the blood-brain barrier. This drug has been withdrawn in the United Kingdom due to the risk of psychiatric adverse drug reactions. This drug continues to be available in the U.S..

Triazolam Pathway References