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Halcion Overdose Symptoms and Treatment

Halcion is the trade name for triazolam, a benzodiazepine drug. Additional trade names for Halcion include ApoTriazo, Hypam and Trilam. Physicians typically prescribe Halcion for severe insomnia, although its effects wear off quickly.
“Halcion has the potential for developing dependence in its users.”
Halcion has the potential for developing dependence in its users, like all benzodiazepines. You can find out more about the treatment options for Halcion addiction by calling .

Medical Use

Halcion is most effective for the treatment of short-term severe insomnia, especially jet lag. It takes effect quickly and has a short half-life of no more than two hours, allowing its users to avoid the drowsiness caused by many other benzodiazepines. Halcion is also used to supplement general anesthesia during surgery. Halcion’s short half-life makes it ineffective for maintaining sleep.

The side effects of Halcion in therapeutic doses are relatively rare. The most common side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness and drowsiness, which affect more than 1 percent of patients. Dizziness presents a special risk for elderly patients, who often suffer falls while under the influence of Halcion. Less common side effects of Halcion that affect 0.5 percent to 1 percent of patients include euphoria, rapid heart rate, confusion, cramps and depression. Rare side effects of Halcion that affect less than 0.5 percent of patients include constipation, dry mouth, insomnia, weakness in the extremities and congestion in the lungs.

Did You Know?

Halcion can cause hangover effects that include impaired cognitive and motor function even when used in therapeutic doses.

Overdose

“A lethal overdose of Halcion is rare, especially after admission to a hospital.”
Halcion causes more severe symptoms when you take it in doses above the therapeutic level. The greatest danger of Halcion overdose symptoms occurs when you combine it with other drugs that depress the central nervous system such as alcohol and barbiturates. The combination of these drugs significantly increase the signs of an overdose on Halcion. A lethal overdose of Halcion is rare, especially after admission to a hospital. The symptoms of a Halcion overdose include the following:

  • Amnesia
  • Respiratory depression
  • Impaired motor function
  • Slurred speech
  • Seizure
  • Coma

Contact us at if you need more information on Halcion addiction.

Withdrawal

Halcion overdose symptoms can occur when you stop using it suddenly after prolonged use. You should only use Halcion at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible period of time. The long-term use of Halcion has a significantly higher risk of dependency than other benzodiazepines, and it can cause dependence even with short-term use.

The short half-life of Halcion means its withdrawal symptoms are more severe than longer-lasting benzodiazepines such as lormetazepam. The symptoms of Halcion withdrawal are most severe during the day. Many users report the following withdrawal symptoms after only 10 nights of use:

  • Anxiety
  • Distress
  • Weight loss
  • Panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Paranoia

Severe withdrawal symptoms can occur when a heavily dependent user completely discontinues Halcion. These symptoms include cognitive disorders and auditory hallucinations, and severe Halcion withdrawal can also cause psychosis. To get rid of the withdrawal symptoms, call us now to learn more about Halcion detox and withdrawal treatment.

Did You Know?

The cognitive impairment caused by Halcion withdrawal generally reverses after one year of abstinence.

Treatment

The primary treatment for Halcion overdose symptoms is supportive care. This primarily includes observation of vital signs and keeping the patient’s airway clear. Severe cases of Halcion overdose treatment may also require the patient to receive intravenous fluids and artificial ventilation. These supportive measures need to be in place before administering any drugs to protect the patient from withdrawal symptoms. A psychiatric evaluation may also be necessary to assess the possibility of an intentional overdose.

Most physicians recommend a gradual reduction in the dosage to prevent severe Halcion overdose symptoms. Diazepam is an effective drug that reduces the withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines without creating dependence. Some treatment programs use chlordiazepoxide instead of diazepam. Both of these drugs have long half-lives. Most studies show the effectiveness of a slow withdrawal treatment for Halcion addiction to be about 65 percent. This means that patients receiving this treatment have a 65 percent chance of abstaining from Halcion for at least two years.

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