Brand Name: Halcion (triazolam (trye AH zoe lam))

Why is Halcion prescribed?

Halcion is used on a short-term basis to help you fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.

Halcion is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Halcion be used?

Halcion comes as a tablet to take by mouth and may be taken with or without food. It usually is taken before bedtime when needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Halcion exactly as directed.

Halcion can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to. Tolerance may develop with long-term or excessive use, making the medications less effective. Halcion should be used only for short periods, such as a few days and generally no longer than 1-2 weeks. If your sleep problems continue, talk to your doctor, who will determine whether Halcion is right for you.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Halcion

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to triazolam, alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax), clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Halcion), estazolam (ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane), Ativan, with it's main ingredient Lorazepam, (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax), temazepam (Restoril), or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone); antihistamines; azithromycin (Zithromax); cimetidine (Tagamet); clarithromycin (Biaxin); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); digoxin (Lanoxin); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac); disulfiram (Antabuse); ergotamine (Cafatine, Cafergot, Wigraine, others); erythromycin (Erythrocin); isoniazid (INH, Laniazid, Nydrazid); itraconazole (Sporanox); ketoconazole (Nizoral); medications for depression, seizures, Parkinson's disease, pain, asthma, colds, or allergies; muscle relaxants; nefazodone (Serzone); nicardipine (Cardene); nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia); oral contraceptives; probenecid (Benemid); ranitidine (Zantac); rifampin (Rifadin); sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline (Theo-Dur); tranquilizers; verapamil (Calan, Covera-HS, Verelan); and vitamins. These medications may add to the drowsiness caused by Halcion.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; seizures; or lung, heart, or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Halcion, call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Halcion.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking Halcion; it may change the effectiveness of Halcion.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Halcion cause?

Side effects from Halcion are common and include:

• headache
• heartburn
• diarrhea
• hangover effect (grogginess)
• drowsiness
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• weakness
• dry mouth

• constipation
• difficulty urinating
• frequent urination
• blurred vision

• jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
• slow or difficult speech
• persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still
• fever
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• severe skin rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• irregular heartbeat

How should I store Halcion?

Keep Halcion in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose:

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911