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A Review of Halcion for Insomnia in Questions and Answers

Halcion drug
Written by:

Rabia Khaliq

MSc in Applied Psychology
Reviewer:

Umar Javed

Dr. MBBS

Content

Medical Disclaimer
The medications listed on this website are provided for informational purposes only. Their inclusion does not guarantee that they will be prescribed to any individual, as treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of healthcare providers. This list is not exhaustive, and healthcare providers may prescribe other medications, including non-stimulant options, based on the patient’s unique health circumstances and needs.Read more
The medications listed on this website are provided for informational purposes only. Their inclusion does not guarantee that they will be prescribed to any individual, as treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of healthcare providers. This list is not exhaustive, and healthcare providers may prescribe other medications, including non-stimulant options, based on the patient’s unique health circumstances and needs.

Insomnia itself is shrouded in questions. Should one see a doctor, or is self-help enough? Are medications a necessity? And these are not the only concerns. Moreover, patients want to know so many facts about the prescribed medication when it comes to the pharmacological treatment of insomnia. This post will answer the most common questions about Halcion (sleep aid).

Want to get a personalized treatment plan for insomnia? MEDvidi doctors are here to help.

What is Halcion?

Halcion is an orally taken FDA-approved [1*] tranquilizer that relaxes the central nervous system. It’s a depressant from the triazolobenzodiazepine (TBZD) class of drugs. This class consists of a popular series of pharma products known as benzodiazepine (aka “benzo”), which emerged in the sixties as a common form of relaxation medication. It’s typically prescribed for severe insomnia.

How Quickly Does Halcion Work?

It usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes for the effects of Halcion to kick in. The drug slows brain activity, which leads to a better night’s sleep. It impacts chemicals in the brain, causing the nervous system to relax. Sedation typically wears off after 6 to 7 hours.

What is Standard Halcion Dosage?

The effects of Halcion depend on the dosage, which often begins with 0.25 mg by mouth per night before going to bed. The maximum recommended dosage is 0.5 mg per day.

Does Halcion Treat Anxiety?

Yes, Halcion has been a useful medical solution for anxiety [2*] in various circumstances. As a depressant and sedative, it helps a person feel more at ease and let go of worries. Halcion and other tranquilizers are often prescribed for people with panic attacks.

Consult an insomnia specialist online to know what medication will suit you best and get detailed instructions.

What are the Side Effects of Halcion?

Patients who use Halcion may experience side effects such as drowsiness, which can hinder physical coordination. While many patients experience euphoria, others fall into depression or have memory problems. Some patients even experience nightmares after ingesting the drug. Benzos in general, which include Xanax and Valium, can cause slurred speech and breathing problems [3*] due to slowed brain activity.

Can Pregnant Women Use Halcion?

Halcion dosage

Halcion is contraindicated in pregnant women. They should not use it under any circumstance. An expectant mother should consult a doctor to know what medication or another treatment option will be suitable for her in the case of insomnia or another condition.

Is Halcion Dangerous or Addictive?

Be aware that Halcion is classified as a Schedule IV substance by the federal government. It’s not meant to be taken over a long period since it can lead to dependence. Symptoms of drug addiction include irritability, memory loss, and unclear thinking, among others. Another risk is when a person addicted to the drug suddenly stops taking it. In this case, they can experience withdrawal effects like seizures, paranoia, insomnia, etc.

MEDvidi providers can prescribe medications. Get your online prescription from the comfort of your home.

Can a Person Overdose on Halcion?

When an individual ingests more Halcion pills than their doctor prescribed, it can cause an overdose that can be fatal [4*] . Not following a doctor’s prescription can make Halcion a very dangerous medicine, especially if mixed with alcohol or opioids. That mix can cause drowsiness or breathing problems.

One dose alone can cause a person to feel dizzy. Therefore, whenever prescribing sleep aids a doctor typically prescribes a small amount first to see if it works or if the patient needs a stronger dosage. The doctor should warn the patient of the consequences of not following directions regarding how often to take the prescribed medication in a safe dose.

Is Triazolam the Same Drug as Halcion?

Triazolam is the generic or chemical name for Halcion. After triazolam was patented in 1970, it was introduced on the market in 1982 under the brand name Halcion, manufactured by Upjohn. It was part of a series of pharma products classified as benzodiazepines.

How Does a Patient Get Halcion?

The only way a patient can legally gain access to Halcion is with a doctor’s prescription. A patient can order online through a pharmacy or visit a pharmacist in person to get a prescription filled. Telemedicine services such as MEDvidi make it easy to see a doctor and get an online prescription that will be sent to a pharmacy of choice.

Does Halcion Make a Difference?

Patient surveys [5*] show that Halcion is effective at treating insomnia. Since the maximum dosage of 0.5 mg daily is not typically recommended, the research focused on lower doses (a maximum of 0.25 mg daily). Based on the results of several controlled medical studies, it was proved that even low, 0.125 mg doses could bring the needed effect, and there was no evidence for the Halcion tolerance development.

Conclusion

Taking triazolam, a sleeping pill marketed as Halcion, can help patients relax if they suffer from insomnia, anxiety, or shock from a traumatic event. But due to its potential risks when used improperly, it’s crucial for patients to only use the drug as directed by their physician. Contact us at MEDvidi for more information on medicine and your personalized treatment plan.

Sources

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5 sources
  1. HALCION
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  2. The effect of triazolam premedication on anxiety, sedation, and amnesia in general anesthesia. (2017)
    Source link
  3. Benzodiazepines. (2023)
    Source link
  4. A case of fatal triazolam overdose. (2003)
    Source link
  5. Halcion: An Independent Assessment of Safety and Efficacy Data
    Source link
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Written by:

Rabia Khaliq

MSc in Applied Psychology
Reviewer:

Umar Javed

Dr. MBBS
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in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers.