Halcion (Triazolam) Dosage, Formulations, & Strengths

Halcion is the brand name for triazolam, a benzodiazepine, sedative-hypnotic, and central nervous system depressant prescription medication that slows activity in the brain to help you relax and sleep. It’s prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia or sleep problems.

Despite its medical use, Halcion is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This means the abuse of the drug can lead to physical dependence and addiction.

The dosage forms and strengths of Halcion prescribed depend on certain factors like age, weight, and overall health.

Halcion Dosage

How much Halcion you’re prescribed to take daily often depends on your age. Adults under 65 can take a different dosage than children and adults over 65.

Adult Halcion Dosage

The recommended Halcion dosage for adults is 0.25 mg once daily before bedtime. A 0.125 mg daily dose may work for some people with low body weight. There is also a 0.5 mg daily dosage but it’s only recommended for those who don’t respond to lower dosages.

No matter the dosage, Halcion should only be prescribed for 7-10 days. It should not be prescribed in any quantity that exceeds a 1-month supply. 

Geriatric Adult Halcion Dosage

For people over 65 years old, the recommended dosage is 0.125 mg or 0.25 mg daily before bedtime. The dosage will likely start at 0.125 mg and then go up as needed. The lowest effective dose is always recommended.

Child Halcion Dosage

There is no recommended dosage of Halcion for children. It’s often left up to the doctor to prescribe the dose they believe is best.

Maximum Dose Of Triazolam

The maximum recommended dose of Halcion also differs based on age. Adults under 65 should not take more than 0.5 mg of Halcion per day and adults over 65 should not take more than 0.25 mg daily.

There is an increased risk for adverse reactions in older adults who take higher doses. That’s why a lower dose is recommended.

Halcion Formulations

Halcion comes in only one formulation: a tablet that is taken orally. It’s often found as a powder blue tablet that is oval in shape, scored, and imprinted with “HALCION 0.25.” However, the imprint may change depending on the manufacturer.

Halcion Strengths

Halcion only comes in two different strengths:

• 0.125 mg
• 0.25 mg
  

Side Effects Of Triazolam

No matter what dosage you’re taking, side effects are a possibility, and the higher the dosage, the more intense the side effects can be.

Some of the common adverse effects may include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• headache
• nervousness
• nausea
• vomiting
• sleep-driving (rare)

Some of the more serious side effects can include:

• behavioral changes
• rash
• hives
• itching
• swelling of the eyes, lips, tongue, or throat
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• hoarseness

Drug Interactions With Halcion

If you mix Halcion with certain drugs and substances, it can lead to adverse reactions.

Some of the drugs that shouldn’t be taken with Halcion include:

• antifungal medications like itraconazole and ketoconazole
• supplements
• grapefruit juice
• certain medications for HIV like ritonavir
• nefazodone
• antibiotics like clarithromycin and erythromycin
• antidepressants
• calcium channel blockers like diltiazem and verapamil
• certain histamine-2 receptor blockers (H2 blockers) like cimetidine and ranitidine
• isoniazid
• other benzodiazepines like alprazolam, lorazepam, and diazepam
• opioids
• sedatives
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluvoxamine and paroxetine
  

Triazolam Overdose

While Halcion has a low potential for abuse as a Schedule IV controlled substance, misusing and abusing the CNS depressant can lead to dependence and addiction. And with abuse and addiction, you increase your risk of a life-threatening overdose.

Some of the signs of a Halcion overdose include:

• extreme drowsiness
• confusion
• problems with coordination
• slurred speech
• respiratory depression/breathing problems
• seizures
• Coma

The risk of overdose increases when you mix Halcion with other benzodiazepines or prescription opioids.

Halcion Detox & Addiction Treatment

Whether you no longer need to take Halcion or you abused it, built up a physical dependence, and need to come off the drug, detoxing is an important process. Suddenly stopping the usage of Halcion on your own is not recommended as coming off of it can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Tapering

Detox usually involves tapering and a medical professional needs to be involved. Your healthcare provider will slowly lower the dosage you take over time until you can stop taking it altogether and feel few withdrawal reactions. 

If withdrawal symptoms still occur, your healthcare professional can provide other medications to ease those specific symptoms. 

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug abuse or addiction, help is available at Ohio Recovery Center. Our clinicians can help you build a customized treatment plan with addiction treatment options that include detox, inpatient drug rehab, and aftercare support.

For more information, please call our helpline today.