Halcion

Generic Name: Triazolam
Product Name: Halcion

Indication

Halcion is used for short-term treatment of insomnia, usually for 7 to 10 days only.

Action

Halcion belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. They are thought to work by their action on brain chemicals.

Dose advice

Dose information:

• Halcion may cause drowsiness and reduce alertness. Patient should be advised to avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery, or any other activity requiring alertness.
• You should avoid excessive consumption of grape fruit juice as it my increase the risk of side effects of Halcion.
• You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Halcion as alcohol may cause increased drowsiness.
• Halcion use should be limited for short-term use. You may experience worsening of insomnia after discontinuation of Halcion as a result of the development of habituation.

Contraindications:

Halcion should not be used if

• you have an allergy to triazolam, the active ingredient of Halcion
• you are suffering from depression or are taking nefazodone, ketoconazole and itraconazole
• you have severe and chronic lung disease
• suffer from a disease that causes severe muscle weakness
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• are breastfeeding or plan to breast-feed

Precautions:

You must tell your doctor if you

• have liver, kidney, heart or lung disease
• have fits or convulsions
• have high or low blood pressure
• have glaucoma
• have depression, psychosis or schizophrenia
• have an addiction to any drug including alcohol
• intend to give to children younger than 18 years old
• are older than 65 years
• are taking any other medicines, including those you buy from your local pharmacy, health food store or supermarket

Use in pregnancy (Category C):

Halcion should be avoided in pregnant women. Halcion should not be used unless its benefit outweighs the potential risks to the fetus.

Lactation:

Halcion should be avoided in breastfeeding mothers as it is not known if the active ingredient of Halcion, triazolam is excreted in human breast milk. You should tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Schedule

Halcion is Schedule 4.

Common side effects

All medicines have side effects. Most commonly the side effects are minor, however some can be more serious. Usually the benefits of taking a medication outweigh the associated side effects. Your doctor would have considered these side effects before starting you on Halcion.

Common side effects are those which occur in more than 1% of patients given Halcion. These include:

• Drowsiness or sleepiness during the day
• Tiredness
• Lightheadedness and dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Headache
• Impaired coordination
• Nervousness
• Nausea, vomiting

Uncommon side effects

Side effects which occur in less than 1% of patients given Halcion are considered uncommon. Patients do not necessarily experience any of these side effects, so do not become alarmed by this list:

• Confusion, hallucinations
• Difficulty with coordination
• Feeling depressed
• Pains or cramps
• Altered mood
• Fainting
• Memory impairment
• Rebound insomnia
• Sleep-walking or other behaviours while you are asleep
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
• Hives

If you experience any of the listed side effects, or any other symptoms which appear abnormal or unusual, please tell your doctor.

References

1. Australian Medicines Handbook. Triazolam. January 2008 [cited 2008 September 21]. Available from: [URL Link]
2. MIMS Online. Halcion. 30 April 2008 [cited 2008 September 21]. Available from: [URL Link]

For further information talk to your doctor.