Halcion is the brand name of the medication triazolam, a benzodiazepine. This medication is prescribed to treat insomnia and can be very effective, although when abused, it can cause serious side effects like addiction.

According to the National Library of Medicine, “Triazolam is used on a short-term basis to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep).” The drug is in a class of CNS depressants called benzodiazepines. While highly prescribed to treat issues like

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Seizures

Benzodiazepines are a very intense type of drug that can be dangerous.

Halcion often causes a number of side effects in those who take it, and because of the potential for users to become dependent, it is usually only given on a short-term basis. However, many people abuse drugs like Halcion to experience the euphoric effects they cause when taken in large doses. This kind of behavior is incredibly dangerous and can cause addiction, among other severe consequences.

People who take Halcion will usually become drowsy; this is the intended effect of the drug. It is meant to be taken at bedtime but not with food and never with alcohol. Halcion has a number of other common side effects, including:

Most of these can be treated with another type of medication or will be mild. However, if you do experience side effects that seem severe, it may be necessary to talk to your doctor. According to DailyMed, “Some side effects reported in association with the use of Halcion appear to be dose related,” so if you experience issues with dizziness, lightheadedness, or amnesia, your dosage may need to be adjusted.

Halcion use does, unfortunately, have its risks. As a benzodiazepine, the drug is able to cause dependence and tolerance in those who take it regularly over a long period of time. This is one of the main reasons why doctors do not wish to prescribe the drug for prolonged periods. Withdrawal from Halcion can be particularly severe, and according to the US Food and Drug Administration, can include:

• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Shakiness
• Seizures
• Trouble Sleeping
• Unpleasant Feelings
• Stomach and Muscle Cramps

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, “There is the potential for dependence on and abuse of benzodiazepines particularly by individuals with a history of multi-substance abuse.” Many people abuse these drugs in large doses and drink alcohol while taking them, which as stated above, can lead to serious side effects.

Many people abuse this drug because it can cause euphoric effects, but unfortunately, a large number of the people who misuse Halcion started out taking it medically and then began abusing it. Because the drug can cause such serious withdrawal symptoms as well as other side effects, if you have been abusing Halcion, you should seek treatment right away.

Halcion abusers must be weaned off their benzodiazepine dependence slowly so as not to experience any of the severe withdrawal effects associated with hypnotics (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Then, treatment with behavioral therapies is usually very effective for one’s recovery from addiction to this drug. Aftercare and follow-up sessions may also be necessary, and because benzodiazepine abusers are so often addicted to other substances as well, patients will probably need further help for their other issues.

You should only take Halcion by prescription and only use as much of the drug as you are prescribed to. It is very important not to continue your use of the medication beyond the time you were prescribed to take it, and you should always stay in close contact with your doctor when taking a benzodiazepine by prescription.