Benzodiazepines like triazolam are commonly used to treat insomnia because of their sedative effects. Halcion is the brand name for triazolam, a common benzodiazepine that’s used to treat insomnia and sleep disorders. Learn more about triazolam identification, uses, side effects, and risks.
Key Points
- Halcion is the brand name for triazolam, a benzodiazepine used to treat insomnia.
- Halcion may be safe when used as prescribed, but it does have a risk of side effects, drug interactions, and addiction.
- Benzodiazepines can have dangerous withdrawal symptoms when they’re stopped suddenly.
- An addiction to Halcion can be treated similarly to other benzodiazepines.
What Is the Brand Name of Triazolam?
Triazolam is a benzodiazepine sold under the brand name Halcion.[1] It’s used short-term over a 7 to 10-day period to treat insomnia or trouble falling or staying asleep.
The benzodiazepine class of drugs is available by prescription and works by increasing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a natural chemical in the brain that helps you feel calm. Benzos also reduce activity in the areas of the brain that affect reasoning, memory, emotions, and breathing.
Uses and Side Effects of Triazolam
Benzodiazepines are used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, seizure disorders, muscle spasms, delirium, alcohol withdrawal, panic disorders, and more. Halcion is specifically used to treat insomnia in adults by relaxing the nervous system and promoting sleep.
The common side effects of triazolam may include:[2]
- Drowsiness
- Loss of coordination
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
There is a risk of more serious side effects, including:[3]
- Daytime anxiety
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Dépression
- Suicidal thoughts and actions
Some people engage in unusual sleep behaviors such as sleep-driving, sleep-eating, sleepwalking, or other activities while taking triazolam and may have no memory of these activities.[4] Allergic reactions can occur with triazolam, including hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling in the lips, face, or throat.
Identification and Dosage of Triazolam
Halcion 0.25 mg dosage comes in a powder blue, elliptical pill with a score and the imprint “HALCION 0.25” on one side.[5] The 0.125 mg dosage of Halcion comes in a white oval tablet with the imprint “HALCION 0.125” on one side.
Generic triazolam tablets are available in 0.125 mg and 0.25 mg tablets.[6] Like Halcion, triazolam 0.125 mg doses are white, oval tablets, except they have “54 519” imprinted on one side. The 0.25 mg tablet is light blue, oval-shaped, with a score on one side and “54 620” imprinted on the other. Another generic 0.25 mg version comes in a blue oval tablet with a score on one side and “G 3718” imprinted on one side.[7]
Triazolam is commonly prescribed in two dosages: 0.125 mg and 0.25 mg, with specific dosing recommendations for both adult and elderly patients.
The usual adult dose for insomnia is an initial dose of 0.25 mg orally once a day at bedtime, transitioning to a 0.125 to 0.25 mg oral dose once a day at bedtime.[8] The maximum daily dose is 0.5 mg. Triazolam is taken for 7 to 10 days.
In elderly people, the initial dose of triazolam is 0.125 mg orally once a day at bedtime, transitioning to a maintenance dose of 0.125 to 0.25 mg orally once a day at bedtime.[9] The maximum daily dose is 0.25 mg. Triazolam is typically prescribed for short-term use, generally not exceeding 7 to 10 days.
It’s important to take triazolam at the lowest effective dose for a short period as it can be habit-forming.
Risks of Triazolam
Triazolam can have serious interactions with other depressants, including alcohol or opioid medications like codeine or hydrocodone. Mixing these drugs can cause breathing to slow to dangerous levels, as well as severe drowsiness or dizziness.
Like other benzodiazepines, triazolam has a risk for dependence and addiction, especially with prolonged use or abuse. Physical dependence can occur if you take triazolam for extended periods, even if you’re not addicted. This means your body has become accustomed to the presence of triazolam and needs it to function properly. If you stop suddenly, withdrawal can occur with potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Withdrawal from triazolam may include symptoms like headaches, restlessness, hallucinations, depression, nausea, or seizures, which may vary in duration and intensity depending on the individual and the duration of use.[10] It’s crucial to speak to your doctor before stopping triazolam or reducing your dose. To prevent withdrawal, your doctor may reduce your dose slowly.
It’s possible to overdose on triazolam, which can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, loss of coordination, weak or shallow breathing, slurred speech, or coma. A triazolam overdose is a medical emergency. If you suspect someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately.
Safety Precautions with Triazolam
Triazolam can be safe when taken as directed. Before you take triazolam, discuss any medication allergies or medical conditions you have, particularly kidney disease, liver disease, or lung or breathing problems. You should also discuss any mental health conditions like substance use disorder history or depression and thoughts of suicide.
You should not drive or engage in any activities that require alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Combining triazolam or other benzos with alcohol, opioid medications, or any other depressant drugs can cause dangerous levels of sedation.
Triazolam may be more potent in older adults and increases the risk of falls or injuries from side effects like unsteadiness, drowsiness, or dizziness.
Benzos can be addictive, including triazolam. Always use this medication as directed, never in higher or more frequent doses than prescribed. Never share your medication with others or take a prescription that isn’t yours. You shouldn’t stop taking triazolam or reduce your dose without speaking to your doctor, as dangerous withdrawal can occur.
Treating Benzo Addiction
Regular use of triazolam can cause dependence or addiction. An addiction to triazolam is a benzodiazepine use disorder, which includes the following criteria:[11]
- Taking triazolam in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended
- Trying to reduce or stop triazolam use unsuccessfully
- Experiencing cravings for triazolam
- Failing to fulfill obligations at work, home, or school because of triazolam
- Continuing triazolam use despite interpersonal, social, or health problems
- Giving up important recreational activities because of triazolam use
- Continuing to use triazolam despite physical or psychological problems
- Developing a tolerance for triazolam and experiencing withdrawal
Due to the potential severity of withdrawal symptoms, treating triazolam addiction often begins with medically supervised detoxification. This provides a medical team to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce the risk of relapse, and prevent potentially fatal complications.
Once detox is complete, it’s important to enter an addiction treatment program to address the underlying causes of addiction. Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs include personalized care plans and a tailored combination of behavioral therapies, individual and group therapy, peer support, and other modalities.
Seek Help for Triazolam Addiction
Triazolam is a commonly prescribed medication to treat insomnia, but it can have risks like addiction and overdose. If you or a loved one is struggling with triazolam addiction, get help as soon as possible to avoid serious health effects.