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).
 
(Halcion Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;