Halcion: Drug Information

Generic name: Triazolam

Brand Name: Halcion

Other names: Novodorm, Songar

Drug Class: Hypnotic

Uses of Halcion:

Halcion is a medicine that has been derived from the family of drugs known as benzodiazepines. It contains a hypnotic agent called Triazolam that helps in the short-term treatment of Insomnia. Halcion should only be administered to patients for 7-10 days treatment after which a complete evaluation of the patient is a must.

Halcion is considered to have a short life and is not meant for treating patients who complain of frequent awakening. Most problems associated with insomnia are temporary and should be rectified in a couple of weeks. In case, they continue to persist, the underlying cause might be some other psychological or physiological problem.

Indications and dosage:

It is essential for you to take the medication as directed by the doctor. Avoid exceeding the prescribed dosage and do not discontinue taking the medicating abruptly without the consent of your physician as it may lead to the development of withdrawal symptoms such as increased sweating, vomiting, nausea, cramps, tremors, blurred vision and insomnia.

Warnings and Precautions:

The safety of this medicine has not been established during pregnancy. Therefore, you must notify your doctor if you are pregnant and avoid taking Halcion.

Halcion should not be given to patients allergic to benzodiazepines.

Halcion should not be co-administered with antifungal medicines like Nizoral or Sporanox.

DO NOT take Halcion with antidepressants such as Serzone.

If taken for over 2-3 weeks, it loses it effectives resulting in drug dependence.

Traveler’s amnesia or sleep driving is a condition wherein the patient ends up driving when not completely awake accompanied by amnesia for that time. This is likely to be one of the outcomes of Halcion.

If you have a history of renal or hepatic failure, you must notify your doctor prior to taking Halcion.

Side effects of Halcion:

Some of the most common side effects of the medicine includedrowsiness, nausea, headache, lightheadedness, vomiting, nervousness, anxiety, euphoria, dryness of the mouth, tachycardia, depression, indigestion, paresthesia, tinnitus, fatigue, dermatitis, nightmares, congestion, hepatic failure and changes in libido.

Overdose:

Halcion overdose symptoms include somnolence, impaired coordination, slurred speech, coma, respiratory depression, apnea, seizures and impaired vision.In case of an overdose of the medication, you must report to your doctor at the earliest or contact your local poison control center.