Halcion (Triazolam) Use While Pregnant | Potential Risks & Side Effects

Triazolam (brand name Halcion) is a benzodiazepine prescription drug used for the treatment of insomnia. It is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and should not be taken while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Halcion is a Schedule IV controlled substance according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). If taken or abused, Halcion can cause a number of health problems for pregnant women and their baby.

If you take Halcion or abuse the drug and discover you are pregnant, contact your doctor immediately to avoid the potential risks associated with taking this medication while pregnant.

Potential Risks Of Using Halcion During Pregnancy

The use of benzodiazepines among pregnant women can not only cause harm to the mother, but the unborn baby as well. Halcion abuse by pregnant women may cause harm to the baby in the form of malformations, birth defects, and withdrawal symptoms.

Women in their first trimester who take or abuse Halcion have a greater risk of their baby developing malformations according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If a pregnant woman takes Halcion, once the child is born, it can develop severe and life threatening withdrawal symptoms.

If your child exhibits signs of withdrawal such as sweating or excessive drowsiness, contact your doctor immediately.

Potential Risks Of Using Halcion While Breastfeeding

Women who are breastfeeding have the potential of passing Halcion to their child during the lactation process. If the woman is taking Halcion intermittently, there is little risk to the child.

Be sure to reach out to your doctor for medical advice regarding your need for the medication.

Large Doses & Halcion Abuse

However, women who abuse Halcion and have larger doses of the drug in their system can pass this benzodiazepine to their child.

If a child drinks enough breast milk that contains doses of Halcion, the baby can experience side effects of the drug which can result in extreme sedation and potential breathing problems.

If Halcion abuse takes place, a baby may receive large doses of the drug, causing potential adverse effects such as respiratory depression or an overdose.

Side Effects Of Halcion

There are a number of side effects associated with Halcion, ranging from mild to severe. Those who take the medication as prescribed may experience some common symptoms while those who abuse the medication can experience more serious side effects.

Common Side Effects

Some of the short-term and more common side effects of Halcion use include:

• dizziness
• sleepiness
• sedation
• drowsiness
• nausea
• headache
• impaired coordination
• nervousness
• lightheadedness

Serious Side Effects

More serious side effects of triazolam may include:

• sleep walking
• memory loss
• serious impairment
• suicidal thoughts
• overdose

For those who take Halcion for the first time, a possible allergic reaction can occur. If this happens, you may need to contact 911 right away. According to the FDA, some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include swelling, troubled breathing, and nausea.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Those who have developed a Halcion dependence may experience a wide-range of symptoms including:

• shakiness
• sweating
• sleep problems
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• muscle cramps

Halcion Drug Interactions

A number of drug interactions may take place when triazolam is taken with other medications, such as:

• certain antidepressants such as nefazodone (Serzone) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• certain antibiotics such as erythromycin () and clarithromycin (Biaxin)
• antihistamines
• sleep aids (including over-the-counter medications)
• supplements and vitamins
• antifungal medications such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Sporanox)

In addition to these interactions, it’s important to avoid grapefruit when taking Halcion. Those with certain medical conditions such as sleep apnea may also want to avoid this medication as it can depress the CNS, more easily causing respiratory depression in those with breathing problems.

CNS Depressants

Those who take Halcion should avoid other CNS depressants including:

• opioids
• muscle relaxants
• other benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), or alprazolam (Xanax)
• sedative hypnotics
• barbiturates

HIV Medications

Certain HIV medications should be avoided while Halcion is taken. Speak with your healthcare provider before taking any of the following:

• lopinavir (in Kaletra)
• ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra)
• nelfinavir (Viracept)
• indinavir (Crixivan)
• saquinavir (Invirase)

If you or a family member are struggling with an addiction to benzodiazepines, contact our healthcare professionals for information on our treatment options today.