What is Halcion?
Halcion (benzodiazepine) is an ineffective, short-acting sleep medication often prescribed to treat insomnia (difficulty sleeping). When used for this purpose it should only be taken temporarily (7 to 10 days).
Side effects of Halcion
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat. Please seek medical assistance immediately.Halcion can cause breathing problems, especially when you've recently consumed alcohol or opioid medications. If you have long pauses in your breathing, blue lips, or are having difficulty waking up, someone caring for you may need to seek medical attention.
Halcion may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Daytime anxiety
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Hallucinations, confusion, agitation, or memory impairment.
- Depression; thoughts of suicide.
Halcion users have reported that they had no memory of driving, eating, walking, or making phone calls. If this happens to you, tell your doctor.Dizziness or drowsiness may last for longer in older adults. Avoid falling or sustaining an injury by exercising caution.
Halcion can cause the following side effects:
- Drowsiness;
- Loss of coordination
- Dizziness;
- Feeling light-headed
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Warnings
Halcion may slow or stop breathing, particularly if you've recently consumed alcohol or opioid medications.HALcion MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. This medicine should be kept out of the reach of others.Halcion should not be stopped without consulting your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking the medication after long-term use, you may experience life-threatening symptoms.Some withdrawal symptoms can last up to one or more years.Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms like abnormal muscle movements, increased activity or talkativeness, sudden and severe mood or behavioral changes, confusion, hallucinations, or seizures.Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking. Halcion should not be taken with certain drugs.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to Halcion or other similar medicines, such as Valium, Xanax (Versed), Klonopin (Klonopin), diazepam (lorazepam), or alprazolam, then this medicine is not for you.
Halcion should not be taken with certain drugs. You may need to change your treatment plan if you use:
- Nefazodone;
- Cancer medicine
- Antifungal or antibacterial medicine
- Antiviral medication to treat hiv or hepatitis c
- Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Depression, mental illness or suicidal thoughts and acts may all increase risk.
- Sleep apnea (breathing stops while sleeping);
- Alcoholism, or drug abuse.
Your baby may suffer from life-threatening withdrawal syndrome if you use Halcion while pregnant. You will need to seek medical attention for several weeks.Do not breastfeed your baby within 28 hours of using Halcion. Throw away any milk that you pump, and do not give it to the child.If breastfeeding, inform your doctor of any drowsiness or breathing problems you may notice in the baby.No one under the age of 18 is allowed to use this product.
How to take Halcion?
Read all the instructions on the label of your medication and follow them. Halcion should never be used in higher amounts or for longer periods than prescribed. If you find yourself wanting to take more Halcion, tell your doctor.Do not share this medication with anyone, especially if they have a history of addiction to drugs. If you don't want others to use the medicine, keep it out of reach. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.Do not take this medicine if you plan to sleep for more than 3 hours.Halcion is not recommended to reduce jet lag when traveling by plane.If your insomnia persists after 7–10 nights of taking Halcion or you notice any changes in your mood or behavior, call your doctor. Insomnia is a sign of depression, mental illness, or certain medical conditions.Halcion should not be taken for more than 10 consecutive nights unless you have been told by your doctor to do so.Halcion should not be stopped without consulting your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking the medication after long-term use, you may experience life-threatening symptoms. Some withdrawal symptoms can last for up to a year or more.
In the first few days after stopping Halcion, you may experience insomnia. It could even be worse.Store your medicine at room temperature, away from moisture, light, and heat. Store your medication in a safe place so that no one else can misuse it.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Halcion can be used as needed. You should skip the missed dose if you have a regular dosing schedule. Never use two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Triazolam overdoses can be deadly if taken with alcohol, opioid medicines, or other drugs that cause drowsiness and slow breathing.Overdose symptoms include drowsiness or confusion, slurred or slow speech, lack of coordination, shallow or weak breathing, or a coma.
What should be avoided?
Don't drink alcohol. Side effects and death can occur.You might still feel sleepy in the morning, even after taking Halcion. Do not drive or operate machinery until you have fully woken up. Alert. You may experience impaired reactions.Grapefruit can interact with Halcion, causing unwanted side effects. Use grapefruit products sparingly.
Interaction with other drug
Halcion can have dangerous side effects, including death, when taken with drugs that cause sleepiness or breathing slowdown. Consult your doctor before taking sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, anxiety medications, or medicines for seizures or anxiety.Halcion can interact with many drugs. Some drugs should never be taken together. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you take. Included are prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions.
