What is Halcion (Triazolam) and How Dangerous Is It?
Key Takeaways
- Halcion is a prescription drug for treating insomnia - Jump to Section
- Addiction symptoms include mood swings, secretive behavior, and poor judgment - Jump to Section
Is Halcion Addictive?
Halcion is considered a Schedule IV controlled substance with a low potential for abuse.5 Although it has a low potential for abuse, it’s possible to get addicted or dependent on Halcion.
The likelihood of developing an addiction increases if you take it longer than suggested. You can also become addicted if you take it without a prescription.2
Additionally, the strength of the prescription means there’s a significant risk of addiction. Signs of Halcion abuse include:
- Drowsiness
- Unsteady walking and coordination impairment
- Repeatedly using Halcion
- Mild intoxication
- Slurred speech
- Concentration and memory loss
- Sleep problems
- Behavior changes
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Breathing problems
- Muscle cramps
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Halcion Addiction Symptoms
Because Halcion affects the CNS, it can trigger intense feelings of pleasure. Some people may abuse Halcion for this sense of euphoria.
Symptoms of Halcion addiction include:2
- Halcion cravings
- Using the drug even when there are negative consequences and side effects
- Trying unsuccessfully to stop drug use
- Shopping for multiple doctors to provide prescriptions
- Stealing or forging prescriptions
- Experiencing mood change or extreme mood swings
- Making risky decisions or using poor judgment
- Becoming secretive or withdrawing from friends and family
- Disregarding responsibilities
- Declining school or work performance
- Disregarding social obligations such as parenting and relationships
- Making the drug a priority over everything else
- Using Halcion even in dangerous situations
- Using Halcion to cope with stress
- Requiring higher doses to produce the same effect
Halcion Addiction Side Effects
Ongoing substance abuse use results in a chronic brain disease that causes serious mental and physical health complications. This can make it more difficult to stop using the drug.1,2
Halcion addiction can lead to:
- Memory problems
- Anxiety and depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Extreme sleepiness
- Cognitive impairment
- Declines in overall mental and physical health
- Mood swings
- Sexual dysfunction
- Physical dependence
- Withdrawal symptoms
These symptoms can occur for six months after a person stops using Halcion. Long-term drug abuse will require professional medical treatment and therapy.
Risks of Halcion Abuse
Long-term Halcion abuse and addiction can lead to life-threatening side effects and complications. This is especially the case if you combine the drug with other CNS depressants like alcohol or other benzodiazepines.
These risks include:3
- Fatal respiratory depression
- Oversedation
- Coma
- Death
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What is Halcion (Triazolam)?
Halcion is the brand name for the generic drug triazolam. It’s a benzodiazepine (benzo) typically used to treat insomnia.1
As a central central nervous system (CNS) depressant, Halcion has sedative properties, which can be used as a muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant. It can also help slow down brain activity and promote deeper sleep or help with anxiety symptoms.1
Doctors may also prescribe it to people undergoing procedures such as:1
- An MRI scan
- Non-surgical dental procedures
- Short airline flights for 1-2 hours of sleep
Halcion Addiction Treatment
Treatment plans for Halcion addiction require medical supervision, support, and therapy. This will help you learn coping skills to help maintain sobriety and prevent a relapse.
Available treatment options for Halcion addiction include:
- Medical detox: Medically supervised detox used to avoid harmful withdrawal effects
- Inpatient treatment: Involves checking yourself into a rehab facility for 24-hour medical supervision
- Outpatient treatment: A treatment plan where you’re freely allowed to leave the rehab facility
- Addiction therapies:
- Dual-diagnosis treatment: A treatment program that addresses co-occurring mental health conditions alongside addiction
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A short-term therapy technique that explores the link between thought patterns and addiction
- Support groups: Provide a much-needed community to help maintain sobriety after treatment
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- “Triazolam: MedlinePlus Drug Information.” Medlineplus.Gov.
- Brett, J., and Murnion, B. “Management of Benzodiazepine Misuse and Dependence.” Australian Prescriber, 2015.
- “Halcion.” DailyMed: U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2017.
- “Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).” Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing, 2013.
- “HALCION ® triazolam tablets, USP CIV.” Food and Drug Administration.
- Pyeon et al. “The effect of triazolam premedication on anxiety, sedation, and amnesia in general anesthesia.” Korean J Anesthesiol. 2017.
