Halcion (Triazolam) Side Effects, Drug Interactions, & Warnings

Triazolam (brand name Halcion) is a benzodiazepine medication that may be prescribed for short-term use in the treatment of insomnia and other sleep problems.

This prescription drug is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and is a Schedule IV controlled substance according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Halcion is helpful in treating insomnia due to the fact that it slows activity in the brain, allowing one to sleep. Unfortunately, Halcion has a number of side effects and warnings ranging in severity.

Side Effects Of Halcion

Although helpful in treating insomnia short-term, Halcion may produce a number of unwanted common and severe side effects.

Common Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of triazolam may include:

• lightheadedness
• headache
• nervousness
• sleepiness
• nausea
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• difficulty with coordination

Serious Side Effects

A number of severe side effects may take place if Halcion is abused. Some serious side effects consist of:

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

Withdrawal Symptoms

Abusing Halcion and abruptly stopping this medication can cause a variety of withdrawal symptoms.

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some of the symptoms of withdrawal may include:

• trouble sleeping
• muscle cramps
• vomiting
• sweating
• shakiness
• upset stomach

After stopping this medication, a person may experience rebound insomnia for the first few days. This type of insomnia may be worse compared to the insomnia you had before taking the drug.

Older adults may also experience a worsening of sleepiness than desired. Your doctor will likely start you with a low dose and then modify the dose if necessary.

Drug Interactions

A number of drug interactions can take place for those who take triazolam. Those who have a hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines may need to inform their doctor before taking this drug.

A form of triazolam abuse involves combining the medication with other substances. There are a number of legal and illegal drugs that should not be combined with triazolam. Combining Halcion with other drugs can cause drowsiness or sedation and create worsening effects.

The following drugs should be avoided while taking triazolam:

• supplements or vitamins
• opioids
• antifungal medications such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)
• antihistamines (including over-the-counter)
• muscle relaxants
• antidepressants
• other benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), and diazepam (Valium)
• HIV medications such as lopinavir (in Kaletra), nelfinavir (Viracept), saquinavir (Invirase), indinavir (Crixivan), and ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra)
• antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac) and erythromycin (Erythrocin, E-mycin)

In addition to these, there are specific substances to avoid including grapefruit juice, nefazodone (Serzone), and ranitidine (Zantac).

Halcion Warnings

There are a number of warnings to be aware of if you take Halcion. For instance, those with liver disease should avoid the medication.

Sleep Disturbances

The FDA states that taking Halcion may cause a person to get out of bed and perform activities without being fully awake. When this serious event happens, the next morning you may wake up and not remember anything that happened the night before.

Some of the reported activities consist of:

• sleep-driving
• sleep walking
• eating food
• talking on the phone
• having sex

Pregnancy

Pregnant women who take Halcion may harm their baby. Once born, the baby may exhibit withdrawal symptoms. Women who are breastfeeding should avoid taking Halcion as this benzodiazepine can pass through breast milk to the child.

Breathing Issues

For those who have breathing problems or sleep apnea, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before taking Halcion. Since this drug is a CNS depressant, if it is combined with other drugs that depress the CNS, respiratory depression and potential breathing issues may take place.

Allergic Reactions

Sometimes allergic reactions can occur with those who take Halcion for the first time. These symptoms can be severe. Contact your doctor or 911 as soon as possible if you suspect an allergic reaction to this medication has taken place.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

• swelling of the throat
• trouble breathing
• vomiting
• nausea
• swelling of the tongue

Overdose

Those who abuse Halcion may experience a potential life-threatening overdose. Symptoms of an overdose may include:

• seizures
• coma
• confusion
• extreme drowsiness
• slurred speech
• trouble breathing

If you suspect an overdose has occurred, contact 911 immediately.

If you or a loved one are struggling with benzodiazepine abuse, please contact one of our healthcare professionals for information on our addiction treatment options.