Halcion Abuse

Halcion abuse is more likely if the medication has been taken daily for a long period of time or at high doses. When a person becomes addicted to medications such as Halcion and the medication is stopped, withdrawal symptoms (such as hallucinations or a rapid heartbeat) can occur. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing these withdrawal symptoms or if you are increasing your Halcion dose to avoid these effects.

Halcion for Insomnia

An Overview of Halcion Abuse

Halcion^® (triazolam) is a prescription medication used to treat insomnia. It is part of a group of medications called benzodiazepines. As with other benzodiazepine medications, there is a possibility of becoming addicted to Halcion. Abuse or "dependence" is when a person feels like he or she needs to continue to take a medicine, even when no medical need is present.

Halcion abuse is more likely if the medicine has been taken daily for a long period of time or at high doses. It is also more likely in people with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Halcion is intended only for short-term use for insomnia treatment. In general, it should not be used for more than 7 to 10 days.

Understanding CNS Depressants

Central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants), sometimes referred to as tranquilizers or sedatives, are substances that can slow normal brain functioning. Because of this property, some CNS depressants are useful in the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. Benzodiazepines are one example of CNS depressants. Beside Halcion, some of the more commonly used benzodiazepines include:

Another class of CNS depressant medicines is barbiturates, such as mephobarbital (Mebaral^®), pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal^®), and phenobarbital (Luminal^®). Alcohol is also a CNS depressant.

(Halcion Abuse Continued: Page 2)