Halcion

Insomnia, Sedation, Sedation therapy

Treatment

1 FDA approval

2 Active Studies for Halcion

What is Halcion

Triazolam

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Triazolam is a drug that has been withdrawn in the United Kingdom because of potential side effects related to mental health. It is still available in the U.S. and is considered a controlled substance under international law.

Halcion

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Halcion Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Halcion

Triazolam

1982

37

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Triazolam, also called Halcion, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses including Insomnia .

Insomnia

Effectiveness

How Halcion Affects Patients

Triazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine commonly used to treat insomnia. It is not as long-lasting as other medications used for this purpose, and does not produce active metabolites in the body. In some countries, triazolam has been taken off the market due to safety concerns about higher doses, but it is still available in most places with the proper labeling and care.

How Halcion works in the body

Benzodiazepines work by attaching to two different receptors in the brain. These receptors help control sleep, muscle relaxation, seizure control, coordination, and memory. Benzodiazepines cause an increase in the effects of a chemical called GABA. When GABA binds to its receptor, it opens a channel which helps keep cells from becoming too excited. This helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and other issues.

When to interrupt dosage

The prescribed dosage of Halcion is contingent upon the determined condition, including Sedation, Insomnia and Sedation therapy. The measure of dosage is subject to the method of delivery (e.g. Tablet or Oral) detailed in the table below.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Sedation

0.125 mg, , 0.25 mg

, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet

Insomnia

0.125 mg, , 0.25 mg

, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet

Sedation therapy

0.125 mg, , 0.25 mg

, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet

Warnings

Halcion Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Halcion.

Common Halcion Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Astemizole

Major

The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Triazolam.

Axitinib

Major

The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Triazolam.

Azelastine

Major

Triazolam may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.

Cabazitaxel

Major

The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Triazolam.

Carbamazepine

Major

The metabolism of Carbamazepine can be decreased when combined with Triazolam.

Halcion Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Overdosing on the drug can lead to feelings of drowsiness, difficulty speaking clearly, lack of coordination, loss of consciousness, and difficulty breathing.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Halcion Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Halcion?

83 active clinical trials are currently examining the potential of Halcion in managing Insomnia, Sedation and Sedation Therapy.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Insomnia

0 Actively Recruiting

Sedation

2 Actively Recruiting

Early Phase 1, Not Applicable

Sedation therapy

0 Actively Recruiting

Halcion Reviews: What are patients saying about Halcion?

5

Patient Review

9/15/2013

Halcion for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

When I was first prescribed this, I didn't have high hopes. However, it ended up being much more gentle than Xanax and worked great for the first six months. Now that the Xanax has stopped working again, I'm switching back to halcion with my doctor's permission.

5

Patient Review

8/10/2014

Halcion for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I've always had difficulty falling asleep, and I tried a number of different pills over the years. Some worked but made me feel awful the next day, while others simply didn't work at all. Then I found Halsion (or Trazolam), and it was like night and day. I slept beautifully with no hangover in the morning whatsoever.

5

Patient Review

12/16/2014

Halcion for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Halcion is the only sleep medication that has worked for me. If I start having long periods of insomnia or restless nights, I get cluster headaches from the stress. Halcion helps me get a good night's rest, and after 1-3 nights of taking it, the headaches are gone and I can stop until the next episode.

5

Patient Review

10/25/2018

Halcion for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Halcion is the only drug that worked for my stress-related insomnia. I tried everything else - ambien, lunestra - but they just left me feeling drowsy without actually helping me fall asleep. The only downside is that doctors are reticent to prescribe it.

5

Patient Review

11/4/2013

Halcion for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Halcion has been the best sleep medicine I have ever taken. I get a nice, fuzzy, warm feeling about thirty minutes after taking it and can easily drift off to sleep.

4.7

Patient Review

2/17/2015

Halcion for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I have a pretty severe form of insomnia, but .5mgs (2 pills) of Halcion knocks me out quickly without any sort of hangover effect. I've tried ambien, restoril, doral, serax, klonopin, etc and none of them worked well or left me feeling awful the next day. Halcion is potent stuff, but it's helped me live a normal life for the past 10 years.

4.7

Patient Review

4/21/2014

Halcion for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I've been using Triazolam for 15 years now, and it's still working great for me. I wake up once or twice a night, but a quick half-tablet knocks me right back out again. No grogginess in the morning, either.

4.3

Patient Review

1/3/2016

Halcion for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I've been using Halcion for severe sleep problems since 1999. My dose varies between .25mg and .5mg. I've tried other prescription medications, but none have been as effective. Halcion helps me fall asleep and stay asleep for about four hours. The downside is that it can cause prolonged tiredness and sleepiness.

2.3

Patient Review

8/9/2013

Halcion for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I've now used this treatment for three nights and have found that it unfortunately worsens my insomnia. I also frequently wake up with a headache, but don't want to risk taking anything for the pain in case there's a drug interaction.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about halcion

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

How long does it take for Halcion to kick in?

"Can someone taking triazolam (Halcion) drink alcohol?"

Answered by AI

Is Halcion the same as Xanax?

"The medication Halcion is the same as triazolam, which is part of the benzodiazepine family of drugs. Other benzodiazepines include: Alprazolam (Xanax)"

Answered by AI

Is Halcion a opioid?

"HALCION can cause severe drowsiness. Taking it with opioid medicines, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants (including street drugs) can cause breathing problems (respiratory depression), coma and death."

Answered by AI

Why was Halcion taken off the market?

"The British government has banned sales of Halcion, after a review of data showed it caused a much higher incidence of depression and memory loss than did similar drugs."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Halcion

Image of CAMC Memorial in Charleston, United States.

Ketamine vs Fentanyl for Sedation in Interventional Radiology

18 - 90
All Sexes
Charleston, WV

This study aims to reduce pain during interventional radiology (IR) procedures, making the experience better for patients. Typically, doctors use medications like fentanyl and midazolam for sedation. This research will focus on patients undergoing biopsies and drainage procedures, often associated with significant discomfort. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either fentanyl/midazolam or ketamine/midazolam combinations for sedation. A coordinator will collect information on pain levels and satisfaction, as well as monitor any extra medications needed and side effects. The investigators hope to find that ketamine helps decrease pain and improves satisfaction compared to fentanyl, without increasing complications.

Phase < 1
Recruiting

CAMC Memorial

Amy R Deipolyi, M.D., Ph.D.