Halcion is a prescription medication sold under the generic name triazolam. It is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia.
Uses of Halcion
Halcion is an effective treatment for short-term difficulties initiating or maintaining sleep, as may occur in insomnia. If these symptoms have not lasted for a long period of time, such as in acute insomnia, halcion may be a good option.
How Does Halcion Work?
Halcion works at the level of chemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters. These chemicals travel between nerve cells to conduct signals. Halcion affects the neurotransmitter called GABA by affecting the benzodiazepine receptor. This leads to sleep promotion.
Who Should Not Use Halcion?
Halcion should not be used if you are pregnant. If you have liver impairment, a history of drug abuse, a depressed level of alertness or poor thinking (from drugs or disease), or if you are elderly, you should be cautious when using halcion.
What Are Common Side Effects?
As with many drugs, the potential for side effects exists with the use of halcion. Although you may not be expected to experience most side effects -- and you may not have any at all -- some of the most common side effects with halcion use include:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Lightheadedness
- Difficulty with coordination
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Impaired memory
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Rapid heart rate
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Dermatitis (skin inflammation)
- Blurred vision
- Decreased sexual drive
What Are Potential Serious Reactions?
There is also a risk for serious side effects with the use of halcion, as may occur with the use of most drugs. These occur more rarely. With the use of halcion, some of the potential adverse reactions include:
- Dependency or abuse
- Complex sleep-related behavior
- Angioedema (swelling)
- Anaphylaxis (serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing)
Safety Precautions
Halcion should not be used if you are pregnant and the safety of its use when breastfeeding is not known. Before starting the medication, you should have a basic physical and psychiatric evaluation. In addition, if you use it for a prolonged period of time, you may need blood tests such as blood chemistries, a complete blood count, liver function tests and urinalysis.
As halcion is part of the class of medications called benzodiazepines, great care must be taken when the medication is stopped. Abrupt cessation should be avoided. Instead, the dose should be tapered down gradually. Speak to your doctor about how to do this safely. If you abruptly stop halcion, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Unpleasant feelings (dysphoria)
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Hallucinations
- Sensory changes (paresthesias)
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Muscle twitching or cramps
- Stomach cramps
- Rapid heart rate
- Sweating
If you experience any difficulties, you should be in close contact with your primary health provider.
Sources:
“Halcion.” Epocrates Rx Pro. Version 3.4, 2010. Epocrates, Inc. San Mateo, California.
