Halcion is a brand name of triazolam, which is a benzodiazepine-type tranquilizer. Halcion is generally prescribed to treat severe, acute insomnia.

Due to its short half-life, it is not well suited to treat frequent or early wakenings, but ideal for treating situational insomnia like jet lag. It is a Schedule IV drug.

Alternative  & street names:

In addition to Halcion, triazolam is marketed under brand names Apo-Triazo, Hypam, and Trilam. On the street, Halcion might be referred to generically as “tranks,” or “downers.”

How is it taken?

Halcion should be taken orally by tablet.

Typically, dosage ranges from 0.125 mg to 0.25 mg and is taken at bedtime. A dose of greater than 0.5 mg is considered to be unsafe.

Effects of consumption

Because Halcion and other triazolams are fast acting with a short half-life, they are ideal for treating acute insomnia such as jet lag. Also due to its short active period, its users tend to avoid morning drowsiness or “hangover” effects.

Frequently administered as a sleep aid for travelers flying on medium-length flights, it is important for the user to avoid consuming alcohol and to test the medication prior to air travel to test the side effects and potency.

“Disinhibition” is one of the listed side effects of this drug, which could lead to disastrous consequences if such a side effect occurs mid-flight with no anticipation or warning signs.

Impact on the mind/body and health risks

Side effects of taking might include dizziness, coordination problems,  euphoria, confusion, memory impairments, visual disturbances, depression, constipation or diarrhea, dry mouth or taste alteration, dreams/nightmares, or disinhibition.

While its fast-acting nature tends to leave users of Halcion without a residual “hangover” in the morning, some patients may experience such a hangover, which may include sleepiness, impaired psychomotor functions, impaired cognitive functions, and impaired ability to drive.

Signs of abuse of Halcion

Tranquilizers like Halcion should not be taken recreationally and/or with alcohol. Taking too much could result in an overdose, with symptoms including drowsiness, impaired motor skills, slurred speech, coma, respiratory depression, seizures or amnesia. If combined with opiates, antidepressants or alcohol, overdose on Halcion could result in death.

Common treatment options

A Halcion addiction can be deadly and should be treated under the care of a doctor, preferably in a 24/7 detox facility, where the drug can be discontinued gradually under supervision. As part of recovery, Halcion addicts will likely have to address their relationship to sleep, as their insomnia was the likely reason they began using Halcion or related drugs in the first place.

Halcion withdrawal/detox symptoms

As a drug taken primarily at bedtime, it is possible for Halcion users to experience “daytime withdrawal,” with symptoms such as anxiety, becoming distressed, losing weight, panic attacks, depression, or paranoia. Additionally, abrupt discontinuance of Halcion after long-term use can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including auditory hallucinations, visual cognitive disorder, or psychosis. A gradual reduction of the dosage of Halcion can prevent these withdrawal symptoms.