Halcion

Halcion, a prescription medication, is licensed for the short-term treatment of insomnia. The medication is part of a class of drugs called benzodiazepines and works by enhancing the effects of a certain chemical in the brain. As a result, Halcion can have several effects on the body, such as relaxing the muscles, causing sleepiness, and reducing anxiety. Halcion comes in the form of a tablet that is usually taken once a day at bedtime. Potential side effects of Halcion may include drowsiness, headaches, and dizziness.

 

What Is Halcion?

Halcion® (triazolam) is a prescription sleep medication approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia.
 

Who Makes Halcion?

Halcion is made by Pfizer, Inc. Generic Halcion is made by several different manufacturers.
 

How Does Halcion Work?

Halcion is part of a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines have several effects on the body, including:
 
  • Reducing anxiety
  • Causing sleepiness
  • Relaxing muscles
  • Stopping seizures
  • Impairing short-term memory.
     
All of the medicines in this category can have these effects to some degree, depending on the specific benzodiazepine that is being taken. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain chemical that has a naturally calming effect. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why Halcion and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
 

When and How to Take Halcion

Some general considerations for when and how to take Halcion include the following:
 
  • Halcion comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth at bedtime.
     
  • Take Halcion just before you are ready to fall asleep; it works rather quickly.
     
  • Halcion can be taken with or without food. If Halcion bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Halcion may cause serious problems if you take it at higher doses or for a longer period of time than your healthcare provider recommends (see Halcion Abuse).
     

Halcion Dosing Information

The dose of Halcion that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age and weight
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your Halcion dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Halcion Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Halcion

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Halcion. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Halcion include, but are not limited to:
 
(Click Halcion Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Halcion

Halcion can potentially interact with several other medicines (see Halcion Drug Interactions).
 

Halcion: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Halcion if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Halcion Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Halcion?

People who take too much Halcion may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Coordination problems
  • Slurred speech
  • Coma
  • Breathing problems
  • Seizures
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to overdose on Halcion, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Halcion Overdose for more information.)
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Halcion?

If you forget to take your Halcion dose, skip the missed dose (unless it is still fairly early in the evening). Taking Halcion in the middle of the night or during the day can lead to daytime drowsiness.
 

Halcion Strengths

Halcion tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Halcion 0.125 mg
  • Halcion 0.25 mg.
     

Is There a Generic Version of Halcion?

Currently, both brand-name and generic Halcion versions are licensed for sale (see Generic Halcion).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;