Halcion

Halcion, brand name triazolam, is within the drug classification of benzodiazepine medications. Its intended use is for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It is prescribed to be taken for a short period of time, between seven to ten days, not to exceed three weeks. A powerful sedative slows normal brain function and induces sleep. It primarily comes in pill form. Because of its sedative properties, it is recommended that it be taken just before bedtime. Halcion will impact one’s ability to recall and impair cognitive function so it has also been used as a date rape drug. Tolerance to this class of drugs develops quickly.

Signs and Symptoms of Halcion Abuse

Aggressiveness
Lack of Concentration
Vomiting
Fatigue
Tingling
Nausea
Headaches

Other severe reactions can include

RashesHives
Itching
Swelling of the eyes, lips, face, tongue or throat
Difficulty Swallowing
Hoarseness

These drugs increase the risk of high blood sugar, diabetes and weight gain.

Cost of Halcion to Society
Halcion by design is meant to be taken for only short periods of times—literally only days. However, when a person starts to abuse the drug taking it for longer periods of time or at higher doses than recommended, anxiety, nervousness and addiction can occur. Because people have been known to take the drug and then engage in activities such as driving while in a state of amnesia, the potential for accidents are increased.

Symptoms of Halcion Withdrawal
Because Halcion is a CNS depressant, quitting abruptly can cause the brain to “race out of control” setting the body up for seizures. Other withdrawal symptoms from Halcion can be

Panic Attacks
Anxiety
Tension
Insomnia
Depression
Irritability
Shaking
Muscle Cramps
Sweating
Sensitivity to Light or Sound
Nausea
Vomiting
Memory Loss

Withdrawal symptoms should be monitored by a physician knowledgeable in addiction medicine as the withdrawal process can be difficult sending an addict out to use again. Addiction treatment programs that provide a variety of therapies can alter addictive behavior and the reasons for the initial drug use. Treatment must follow detox.

Slang Terms for Halcion
Triazolam, Apo-Triazo, Hypam, Trilam