The Effects Of Triazolam On Sex

The benzodiazepine drug triazolam, brand-name medication Halcion, is one of the commonly prescribed and abused drugs that can potentially impact human sexual and reproductive function.

Sexual Side Effects Of Halcion

While therapeutic use of Halcion may benefit a person’s energy level and sexual activity, both medical Halcion use and Halcion abuse may sometimes produce sexual side-effects.

These potential interactions include:

• decreased interest in sexual activity (libido)
• difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (impotence)
• changes impacting menstrual cycles
• changes in mood, behavior, or mental state
• complex sleep activities, including engaging in sexual activity while asleep
• increased sexual interest due to paradoxical effects

These side effects may be more likely to occur, and to occur more severely, when Halcion is used in higher doses than recommended or used for prolonged periods of time.

Sleepwalking & Sex

Triazolam may cause a condition known as somnambulism, or sleepwalking. This occurs when individuals get out of bed and move around without being fully awake, and without the person being aware or remembering what they were doing at the time.

While sleepwalking is relatively common, the use of Halcion may cause more complex sleep activity in which a person eats, leaves their house, drives a vehicle, or does other routine or sometimes bizarre activity, including unintended sexual activity.

If you experience sleep-driving or unaware sexual activity while taking Halcion, be sure to let your prescribing healthcare provider know.

Triazolam & Date Rape

Unfortunately, triazolam has also been used as a date-rape drug, a substance covertly administered by one person to another in order to facilitate sexual assault.

A high-dose of triazolam powder mixed into someone’s drink may produce a similar level of sleepiness and central nervous system impairment, impacting that person’s thinking, motor control, inhibition, and memory formation.

Date rape is a form of felony criminal sexual misconduct and violent crime in Ohio, and perpetrators are currently subject to prison sentences of up to 20 years under the Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act of 1996.

Other Side Effects Of Halcion

Halcion use is associated with a number of other common side effects, especially when it is used by older adults, taken in larger doses than prescribed, or otherwise misused.

These side effects can include:

• dizziness or lightheadedness
• tiredness or drowsiness
• loss of coordination
• headache
• memory problems
• blurred vision
• numbness or tingling
• itching
• mood changes, including aggressiveness, nervousness, excitability, irritability, or feelings of depression

Rare Side Effects

Rare but serious side effects, including paradoxical reactions and allergic reactions, have also been reported. Known examples include unusual behavior changes, confusion, memory loss, hallucinations, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Seek medical advice or medical attention if you experience any worsening or serious side effects after using Halcion.

Aside from the drug’s side effects there are a variety of other concerns related to Halcion use to be aware of:

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Triazolam is not recommended for use late in pregnancy and may cause feeding problems or other issues in newborns.

Dependence & Withdrawal Symptoms

While triazolam is approved by the FDA for medical use, it has been classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and physical dependence.

This can eventually lead to severe and prolonged withdrawal symptoms, including:

• nausea and/or vomiting
• anxiety or depression
• rebound insomnia
• sweating and/or fever
• elevated heart rate
• muscle aches
• shaking
• headaches
• hallucinations
• seizures

Tapering and medical detox services are available to help those facing the prospect of benzodiazepine withdrawal move through the process safely.

Drug Interactions

Halcion is also known to interact with different substances. Of particular concern are other CNS depressants, including alcohol, opioids, and muscle relaxants, which can trigger respiratory depression (potentially life-threatening breathing problems) and other symptoms of overdose.

Other drugs that may interact with triazolam include: 

• sodium oxybate
• cannabis
• grapefruit juice
• mifepristone
• ritonavir
• the supplement St John’s wort
• antidepressants like nefazodone
• azole antifungals like itraconazole and ketoconazole
• macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin and clarithromycin
• HIV protease inhibitors

Always consult your medication guide before using a prescription medication. Let a healthcare professional know if you experience any potential drug interactions and seek emergency care if you have trouble breathing while using triazolam.

Get Treatment In Ohio Today

If you live with prescription drug addiction and experience rare sexual side effects, please contact us today to learn how we can help.