Halcion's generic name is Trizolam, which is a drug under the
benzodiazepine category, which is a type of tranquilizer. However,
Halcion cannot be purchased in its generic form.
Halcion is used to relieve nervousness and tension or to improve
sleep disturbances--mainly insomnia. Halcion is habit forming, and
therefore a prescription is needed to obtain the drug. To prevent
habit forming, the prescription must be followed exactly, and it is recommended that the patient not
use it for more than two weeks, however, it may take six weeks for
the full effect. Prolonged use may cause liver impairments. The
medication is not the only part in treatment; the patient must also
follow a regimen of psychotherapy, skills training, and lifestyle
management. Treatment should not be ended without the consultation of
the physician; when it is, it should be done slowly and
gradually.
Side effects may include: stomach upset, blurred vision, headache,
confusion, depression, impaired coordination, rapid heart beat,
trembling, weakness, memory loss, hangover effect, dreaming or
nightmares. However, these are the side effects for most
benzodiazepines. The side effects in particular for Trizolam are
dizziness and drowsiness.
Overdoes symptoms include drowsiness, weakness, tremor, stupor or
coma.
Halcion is not to be taken if the patient suffers from an allergic
reaction to benzodiazepines, has myasthenia gravis, is a recovering
alcoholic, or is younger than six months. The patient must also
consult their doctor of they have: liver, lung, or kidney disease,
diabetes, epilepsy, porphyria, and if they will have surgery withing
two months that will require a general or spinal anaesthesia.
Possible adverse reactions or side effects
Symptoms
What to do
Life Threatening:
Common:
Infrequent:
Hallucinations, confusion, irritability, depression, rash, itchy skin, change in vision.
Constipation or diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, difficult urination.
Discontinue. Call doctor right away.
Continue. Call doctor when convenient.Rare:
Slow heartbeat, difficulty breathing.
Discontinue. Seek emergency treatment.
Possible Interactions with Other Drugs
Generic Name or Drug Class
Combined Effect
Anticonvulsants
Change in seizure frequency or severity.
Antidepressants
Increased sedative in both drugs.
Antihistamines
Increased sedative in both drugs.
Antihypertensives
Excessively low blood pressure.
Cimetidine
Excess sedation.
Disulfiram
Increased trizolam effect.
Dronabinol
Increased effect of both drugs. Avoid.
MAO Inhibitors
Convulsions, deep sedations, rage.
Molindone
Increased sedative effect.
Nabilone
Greater depression of centra nervous system.
Narcotics
Increased sedatives of both drugs.
Sedatives
Increased sedatives of both drugs.
Sleep Inducers
Increased sedatives of both drugs.
Tranquilizers
Increased sedatives of both drugs.
Possible Interactions with Other Substances
Interacts With
Combined Effect
Alcohol
Heavy sedation. Avoid.
Beverages
None expected.
Cocaine
Decreased trizolam affect.
Foods
None expected.
Marijuana
Heavy sedation. Avoid.
Tobacco
Decreased trizolam effect.
FDA seeks Justice Probe of Halcion Sleeping Pill
On May 31, 1996, the Food and Drug Administration suggested that
federal prosecutors investigate whether or not the Upjohn Company hid
safety concerns about the sleeping pill, Halcion. The FDA admitted
making as mistake as they did not settle the issue in 1992.
Halcion can stay on the market because it appears safe since users
follow instructions on the prescription label exactly.
The report doesn't end the fourteen year saga of Halcion, which was
the world's top-selling sleeping pill until allegations arose that it
could provoke violent psychiatric reactions.
Manufacturer, Pharmacia and Upjohn Inc., defended Halcion as safe.
They have tested it many times since 1982, lowering doses and adding
warning of the possible side effects on the label. They have now
restricted ten pills to a package so patients do not overdose.
Britain banned the drug in 1991 and stated that Upjohn hid safety
concerns that would have prevented the drug from ever being sold
there. Meanwhile, in the United States, at least one-hundred law
suits were filed against Halcion.
In 1993, U.S. pharmacists filled 2.6 million Halcion prescriptions,
earning $50.6 million. The FDA said that Halcion prescription dropped
67 percent between 1987 and 1992, mainly due to negative publicity
and new sleeping pill competitors.
Bibliography
Internet
http://noah.cuny.edu/illness/mentalhealth/cornell/medications/benzodiaz.html
General information on Benzodiazepines
http://www2.nando.net/newsroom/ntn/nation/053186/nation11_22362.html
FDA Seeks Justice Probe of Halcion Pill . . .
http://detnews.com/menu/stories/50360.htm
FDA Seeks Justice Probe of Halcion Pill . . .
Safeway Pharmacy - pamphlet on Benzodiazepines
General information on Benzodiazepines
Books - A Guide to Prescription and Non-Prescription Drugs, TRIZOLAM
In-depth information on Trizolam (Halcion's generic form)
Reference CD's - Family Doctor Fourth Edition, MYASTHENIA GRAVIS
Definiton for myasthenia gravis
Just to letchya know . . . I got 100% on this assignment . . .*grin* . . .
©1997 Mike McCarthy