Halcion and Pregnancy

Halcion is a pregnancy Category X medication, meaning the medication has shown problems to the fetus in animal studies and in women who have taken the medicine. Studies of Halcion and pregnancy have shown that the drug increases the risk of birth defects and can cause withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid Halcion if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant.

Halcion for Insomnia

An Overview of Halcion and Pregnancy

Halcion^® (triazolam) should never be taken during pregnancy. Halcion is part of a group of medications known as benzodiazepines. Human and animal studies have shown that using benzodiazepines during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects and other problems.

Halcion and Pregnancy Category X

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a pregnancy category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category X is given to medicines that show problems to the fetus in animal studies or in women who have taken the medicine. Also, a pregnancy Category X classification is given when the potential risks of a medication outweigh any possible benefits when used during pregnancy.

Halcion was given a pregnancy Category X rating because of problems in animal and human studies. Benzodiazepine use during early pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects, while use later during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in a newborn.

Since taking Halcion is never absolutely necessary, it should not be taken during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Halcion, let your healthcare provider know. You should not take Halcion if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.