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Halcion

Generic name: triazolam [ trye-AY-zoe-lam ]
Drug class: Benzodiazepines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 10, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Halcion?

Halcion is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used short term (7 to 10 days) to treat insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep).

Halcion may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Halcion side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Halcion can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Halcion may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Some people using Halcion have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. Tell your doctor if this happens to you.

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

Common side effects of Halcion may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Halcion side effects (more detail)

Warnings

Halcion can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol.

MISUSE OF Halcion CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep this medicine where others cannot get to it.

Do not stop using Halcion without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.

Get medical help right away if you stop using Halcion and have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts about suicide.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some drugs should not be used with Halcion.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to Halcion or similar medicines (such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, Valium, Xanax, Versed, Klonopin, and others).

Some drugs should not be used with Halcion. Your treatment plan may change if you also use:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

If you use Halcion during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.

You should not breastfeed within 28 hours after using Halcion. If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out the milk and do not feed it to your baby.

If you do breastfeed, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness, breathing problems, or feeding problems in the nursing baby.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Halcion?

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use Halcion in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of Halcion.

Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Take this medicine only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.

Avoid using Halcion to prevent jet lag while traveling by airplane.

Call your doctor if your insomnia does not improve after taking Halcion for 7 to 10 nights, or if you have any mood or behavior changes. Insomnia can be a symptom of depression, mental illness, or certain medical conditions.

Do not take Halcion for longer than 10 nights in a row, unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not stop using Halcion without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.

The first few nights after you stop taking Halcion, your insomnia symptoms may return and could be worse than before.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.

Detailed Halcion dosage information

lorazepam, melatonin, zolpidem, diphenhydramine, Ativan, Ambien

What happens if I miss a dose?

Halcion is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of triazolam can be fatal if you take it with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.

Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, loss of coordination, weak or shallow breathing, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking Halcion?

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking Halcion. Wait until you are fully awake before you drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Your reactions may be impaired.

Grapefruit may interact with Halcion and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

What other drugs will affect Halcion?

Using Halcion with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Many drugs can affect Halcion, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Halcion drug interactions (more detail)

Does Halcion interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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