Halcion, and its generic Triazolam, are used to treat insomnia in the short-term. Halcion is a member of the benzodiazepine class of drugs. The drug impacts the chemicals in the brain that can become unbalanced and cause anxiety. Triazolam is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in alcohol and poorly soluble in water.
Halcion is generally only safe when prescribed for less than one month as it contains a triazolobenzodiazepine hypnotic agent. Full patient evaluation is required if use is recommended for more than 2-3 weeks.
Abuses of Halcion
Abuse of Halcion occurs when it is used for non-medical purposes or beyond the prescribed dosage. Those who use Halcion beyond its intended purposes or outside of a doctor’s care can develop a tolerance and dependence for the drug that can be life-threatening. As a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, Halcion has a high potential for addiction and abuse.
The risk of dependence and abuse with Halcion tends to increase in patients with a history of alcoholism, drug abuse or in those with noted personality disorders. Abuse is also likely if the medication is taken daily for long periods of time or at high doses. As Halcion use slows brain function, abuse puts the individual’s life in danger.
Effects of Halcion
Halcion is prescribed for individuals dealing with insomnia as it depresses the central nervous system, or the brain, which causes drowsiness to aid in falling asleep. As a result, it can cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness or difficulty with coordination. Alcohol can increase the intensity of these effects.
Effects do vary by individuals, as well as by the amount of the drug taken. It does have the ability to cause irreversible brain damage when taken recreationally. Halcion can also cause nervousness or nausea and vomiting in some patients.
Withdrawal of Halcion
While Halcion is prescribed only in the short term, some individuals do turn to this drug for recreational use. Some may also develop a dependence on the drug due to taking it longer than prescribed or for non-medical reasons. As this dependence can be both physical and psychological, withdrawal symptoms can be intense.
Any and all of the following symptoms can occur in the Halcion withdrawal stage:
• Convulsions
• Tremor
• Abdominal cramps
• Muscle cramps
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Dysphoria
• Insomnia
• Daytime anxiety
• Agitation
• Heart Palpitations
• Lethargy
• Severe headaches
• Shaking
• Fear
• Suicidal thoughts
Treatment of Halcion Addiction
Addiction to Halcion can be life-threatening, just as the associated symptoms of withdrawal. As a result, it is important that those with an addiction discontinue the drug gradually under the care of a board-certified physician. Detoxification is required to cleanse the body of this drug.
A quality treatment center will suggest comfortable detox using withdrawal medications specific to Halcion abuse. A quality center will do a full physical on a person to determine the right medications for comfortable detox. This method helps to correct the chemical imbalances and should be combined with psychological evaluations and other medical care.
Halcion addicts are also likely to work on their relationship with sleep as part of their treatment. They can be taught how to use specific tools like yoga, meditation and exercise as well as diet and nutrition, changing caffeine intake, creating new patterns and counseling to determine the cause for taking Halcion in the first place.