Halcion Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Triazolam

Triazolam is in a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Triazolam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and that may cause insomnia or anxiety. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a substance produced in the brain which inhibits (slows down) nerves and many of the activities of the brain. Triazolam and other benzodiazepines enhance the effects of GABA and thereby reduce activity in the brain and promote sleep.

Halcion Dosage

• The usual dose is 0.25 milligram before bedtime. The dose should never be more than 0.5 milligram.
• Safety and effectiveness for children under the age of 18 have not been established.

Uses of Halcion

• Triazolam is used to induce sleep and cause relaxation.
• It may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Halcion

If you are taking this medication, then discuss the side effects with your doctor. If you feel any change in intensity, then you should tell your doctor. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Halcion. Side effects may include:

• Coordination problems
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• light-headedness
• nausea/vomiting
• nervousness

Warnings and precautions before taking Halcion:

• You should be cautious about using this drug if you have liver or kidney problems, lung problems.
• You should tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to triazolam, alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax), clonazepam, clorazepate, diazepam, estazolam, flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam, oxazepam, prazepam, or any other drugs.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone); antihistamines; azithromycin (Zithromax); cimetidine (Tagamet); clarithromycin (Biaxin); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); digoxin (Lanoxin).
• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, then you should tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking triazolam.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. So do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking certain drugs with Halcion, then it may decreased, increased or altered the effects of Halcion medicine. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Halcion with the following:

• Antihistamines such as Benadryl and Tavist
  
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Seconal
  
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  
• Isoniazid (Nydrazid)
  
• Itraconazole (Nizoral)
  
• Ketoconazole (Sporanox)
  
• Narcotic painkillers such as Demerol
  
• Seizure medications such as Dilantin and Tegretol
  
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
  
• Verapamil (Calan)
  

Overdose

When you are taking Halcion, and you feel that overdose is suspected then contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an Halcion overdose may include:-

• Apnea (temporary cessation of breathing)
• coma
• confusion
• excessive sleepiness
• problems in coordination
• seizures
• shallow or difficult breathing
• slurred speech