How Long Does Halcion (Triazolam) Stay In Your System?

Triazolam, brand name Halcion, stays in your system for about 2 days after last use.

This strong prescription drug is used as a short-term treatment option for insomnia, usually for a total treatment period of 7 to 10 days.

It is also sometimes used to manage urgent medical conditions including anxiety disorders, aggression, suicidal behavior, schizophrenia, psychosis, and Tourette’s syndrome.

As a benzodiazepine, triazolam works by temporarily increasing the action of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter. This slows and calms the central nervous system as a whole, easing physical and mental stress and agitation for a limited period of time.

Triazolam can also be misused in higher doses or with other substances to cause a drug high, often including stimulant drugs, alcohol, and opioids.

Halcion Drug Tests & Detection Times

Because triazolam is rapidly removed from the body, drug tests look for a certain metabolite triazolam generates as it is broken down, known as α-hydroxytriazolam.

Rough estimates for triazolam detection via this metabolite and type of drug test include:

Urine Test

Urine tests are by far the most common type of drug screening used in the United States. These tests can detect triazolam use for around 2 days after your last dose.

Blood Test

Blood testing for drugs is rare. However, these tests can detect triazolam in blood plasma for 24 hours or less after your last dose.

Saliva Test

Mouth swab tests can detect triazolam use for 2 to 3 days after your last dose.

Hair Test

Hair follicle testing is uncommon and less reliable than other drug testing methods. However, it can potentially detect triazolam use for 30-90 days after your last dose.

Factors That Influence Triazolam Detection Times

The length of time it takes to process triazolam so it is no longer detectable varies from person to person, and can be influenced by certain factors including:

• how large your last dose was
• how you took your last dose (swallowing, crushing, etc.)
• if you were using other substances with triazolam
• genetic factors
• hydration level
• overall health, nutrition, and kidney/liver performance
• body mass and body composition
• age

Halcion Length Of Effect

Triazolam is the shortest-acting benzodiazepine currently available in the United States. It takes between 15 and 30 minutes for a regular dose to take effect, with these effects peaking around 1.5 hours later and wearing off after 5 to 6 hours.

Halcion/Triazolam Half Life

A drug’s half-life is the period of time required for the body to remove one half of the remaining dose of that medication. It typically takes 5-6 half-lives for the body to fully expel a drug, though the drug’s effects will wear off sooner than this, and some traces of drug use may remain far longer.

The elimination half-life of triazolam in the human body is only 2 to 5 hours depending on the individual.

This makes triazolam an effective option for treating insomnia without daytime after effects, and for providing rapid but temporary relief for other conditions involving agitation or panic.

Halcion Drug Schedule

Triazolam has been categorized as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States.

This indicates that triazolam has a considerable potential for substance abuse and may generate physical or psychological dependence or substance use disorder (addiction), especially if it is used for a prolonged period of time.

Halcion Vs. Other Benzos

Triazolam is short-acting, but has a rapid onset of effect and a very high potency, properties which increase its risk of misuse and adverse effects.

Other short-acting benzos include:

• clorazepate (Tranxene)
• midazolam (Versed)

Intermediate-acting benzos drugs include:

• oxazepam (Serax)
• alprazolam (Xanax)
• lorazepam (Ativan)
• estazolam (Prosom)
• temazepam (Restoril)

Long-acting benzos drugs include:

• chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
• clonazepam (Klonopin)
• diazepam (Valium)
• flurazepam (Dalmane)

Halcion Precautions & Warnings

Long-term use of triazolam can lead to physical dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms if the medication is abruptly discontinued. Healthcare providers strongly recommend those seeking to detox from triazolam participate in a structured tapering program.

If taken in high doses or with other central nervous system depressants or sedatives, triazolam can provoke symptoms of overdose, including respiratory depression. These symptoms can be fatal.

CNS depressants that should not be taken with triazolam include:

• opioid narcotics
• alcohol
• barbiturates
• marijuana/cannabis
• muscle relaxants
• antihistamines

Triazolam may cause sleepwalking, drowsiness, and other side effects that can contribute to accidental injuries, especially in older adults.

Triazolam may cause other adverse effects and interact with other drugs and supplements. Consult your medication information or ask your treatment provider to learn more.

Prescription drug abuse and addiction, including Halcion abuse, can lead to severe long-term physical and mental health issues.

If you would like to learn about recovery center treatment programs for yourself or a loved one, please contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center today.