Halcion (Triazolam) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 21, 2012

Halcion

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Sleep disorder drugs (hypnotic and sedative drugs) overview

Insomnia, a disorder of sleep, occurs occasionally in most people but usually lasts only a few days. The body then "corrects" itself naturally, and people return to a normal pattern of sleep. Insomnia may be short-term (less than three weeks) or chronic, lasting longer than three weeks. Contributing factors include, but are not limited to, poor sleeping habits, stress, jet lag, medications, disease, and depression. Chronic insomnia may warrant the use of sedative/hypnotics medications; however, it is important that the treating physician perform a complete diagnostic evaluation as well as take medication and substance abuse histories, to exclude secondary insomnia due to other conditions.

Hypnotics/sedatives medications (henceforth referred to as hypnotics) work, in general, by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain. Neuro...

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Halcion®
(triazolam) Tablets, USP CIV

DRUG DESCRIPTION

HALCION Tablets contain triazolam, a triazolobenzodiazepine hypnotic agent.

Triazolam is a white crystalline powder, soluble in alcohol and poorly soluble in water. It has a molecular weight of 343.21.

The chemical name for triazolam is 8-chloro-6-(o-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H-s-triazolo-[4,3-α] [1,4] benzodiazepine.

The structural formula is represented below:

Halcion (triazolam) structural formula illustration

Each HALCION (triazolam) Tablet, for oral administration, contains 0.125 mg or 0.25 mg of triazolam. Inactive ingredients: 0.125 mg-cellulose, corn starch, docusate sodium, lactose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, sodium benzoate; 0.25 mg-cellulose, corn starch,docusate sodium, FD&C Blue No. 2, lactose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, sodium benzoate.

What are the possible side effects of triazolam (Halcion)?

Triazolam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking triazolam and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using triazolam and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

weak or shallow breathing;
fast or pounding heartbeats;
confusion, slurred speech, unusual thoughts or behavior;
hallucinations, agitation, aggression;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Halcion »

What are the precautions when taking triazolam (Halcion)?

Before taking triazolam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, mental/mood problems (e.g., depression, panic disorder), lung problems (e.g., pulmonary insufficiency, sleep apnea), seizures, personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol/other substances.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause temporary blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 3/10/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.