Halcion
Generic Name: Triazolam
What is Halcion?
Halcion is used in adults for the short-term treatment (around 7-10 days) of insomnia (trouble falling asleep).What is the most important information I should know about Halcion?
Halcion is a controlled substance because of the risk of abuse and dependence. Keep Halcion in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away Halcion may harm others, and is against the law. Tell your doctor if you have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs. Do not take more than you are prescribed.After taking Halcion, you may get out of bed without being fully awake and perform an activity that you do not know you are doing (e.g., driving a car ["sleep-driving"], making and eating food, talking on the phone, having sex, or sleepwalking). The next morning you may not remember that you did anything during the night. Drinking alcohol or taking other medications that make you sleepy increases the chance of doing these activities.
Call your healthcare provider if your insomnia worsens or is not better within 7-10 days. This may mean there is another condition causing your sleep problem.
Severe allergic reactions have happened in some patients taking Halcion. Symptoms include swelling of the tongue and throat, problems breathing, nausea, or vomiting. Get emergency medical treatment right away if you have any of these symptoms.
You may have withdrawal symptoms for 1-2 days if you stop taking Halcion suddenly. These symptoms may include trouble sleeping, unpleasant feelings, stomach and muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and seizures.
Tell your doctor if you experience an increase in daytime anxiety. You may need to discontinue the use of Halcion.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had suicidal thoughts or depression. Halcion could worsen this behavior.
Who should not take Halcion?
Do not take Halcion if you are allergic to triazolam or other benzodiazepines, if you drink alcohol, cannot guarantee a full night's sleep, take other medicines that can make you sleepy, are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant, or are currently taking ketoconazole, itraconazole, or nefazadone.Halcion is not approved for use in children <18 years of age.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Halcion?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Halcion. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, drug or alcohol abuse or addiction, kidney or liver disease, lung disease or breathing problems, seizures, or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults: The recommended dose of Halcion for most adults is 0.25 milligrams (mg) right before going to bed. In some patients, a lower dose may be prescribed and the maximum daily dose should not exceed 0.5 mg.
Elderly and debilitated: The starting dose of Halcion is 0.125 mg right before going to bed. The maximum daily dose is 0.25 mg.
How should I take Halcion?
Take Halcion exactly as prescribed. Do not take more than is prescribed for you.Halcion should be taken right before you go to bed or after you have been in bed and have trouble falling asleep.
Do not take Halcion with or right after a meal.
Do not take Halcion unless you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again.
If you take too much Halcion or overdose, call your doctor or poison control center right away, or get emergency treatment.
What should I avoid while taking Halcion?
Do not drive or do other dangerous activities (e.g., operating machinery) after taking Halcion until you feel fully awake.Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medications that can make you sleepy.
Do not take Halcion with or right after a meal.
Do not take Halcion unless you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Halcion?
If Halcion is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining this medication with any of the following: alcohol, amiodarone, cimetidine, cyclosporine, diltiazem, ergotamine, flumazenil, fluvoxamine, grapefruit juice, isoniazid, itraconazole, ketoconazole and possibly other antifungal agents, macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin), nefazodone, nicardipine, nifedipine, oral contraceptives, other medications that may make you sleepy, paroxetine, ranitidine, sertraline, and verapamil.What are the possible side effects of Halcion?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: coordination difficulties, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, "pins and needles" feelings on your skin
Serious side effects may include: severe allergic reactions, getting out of bed while not being fully awake and doing an activity that you do not know you are doing, memory loss including "traveler's amnesia," anxiety, and abnormal thoughts or behavior. If you experience any of these serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Can I receive Halcion if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
There is a risk of potential harm to your unborn child. Avoid taking Halcion during your pregnancy. Since the effects of Halcion during breastfeeding are unknown, its use should be avoided. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Halcion?
If you miss your scheduled dose, it is best to speak to your healthcare provider for advice.How should I store Halcion?
Store at room temperature and protect from light.
