Halcion is the brand name for the drug triazolam. According to the Physicians' Desktop Reference, Halcion is used to treat insomnia. It is a short-term remedy that is not approved for use by children. Pfizer, the drug's manufacturer, reports that Halcion should be used for an average of 2 to 3 weeks. Halcion is a prescription medication that is usually prescribed in doses of 0.25 mg, with a maximum daily recommended dose not to exceed 0.5 mg. The pill should be taken before going to bed at night.
Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking is common after taking Halcion. Many patients report getting up in the middle of the night and performing various activities with no memory of the time. Some patients get in the car and drive somewhere, while other may prepare and eat food or have sex. Drinking alcohol before retiring can add to the likelihood that sleepwalking and other sleeping activities take place.
Side Effects
Side effects may be mild or nonexistent for some, while others experience intense sensations that should be reported to their doctors. Some of the common side effects include dizziness, headaches, difficulty with balance and coordination and pins-and-needles sensations under the skin. Sleepwalking can become dangerous if it includes activities like driving or leaving the house. Some people are allergic to the drug and may suffer from allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, skin rashes or itching.
Mental Effects
Pfizer researchers recommend that doctors find out if their patients have a history of depression because Halcion has been shown to exacerbate the mental illness. Suicidal tendencies could be activated by the drug, which is considered a controlled substance by the Food and Drug Administration. The chances of people with symptoms of depression taking more than prescribed are high, and medications should be controlled to avoid an intentional overdose.
Dependence
Dependence is likely to occur after using Halcion for more than a couple weeks. The drug loses its effectiveness, creating a need for higher doses to induce sleep. By the third week, many patients report being awake for the last third of their required sleeping time in addition to increased anxiousness and nervousness during the day.
Withdrawal
Halcion is a physically addicting drug that causes withdrawal symptoms when discontinued. If the drug is stopped suddenly, patients may have trouble sleeping for a while and experience muscle and stomach cramps, nausea, uneasiness, sweating and possible seizures.
