Halcion vs Xanax: What is the Difference?

Benzodiazepine drugs are central nervous system depressants that can treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, panic attacks, seizures, and in some cases, alcohol withdrawal. While they have legitimate medicinal uses, they are also habit-forming and addictive.

Two common types of benzodiazepines are known as Halcion and Xanax. Halcion is primarily used to treat insomnia on a short-term basis. On the other hand, Xanax is usually used to manage anxiety disorders and panic disorders.

Knowing the differences between Halcion vs Xanax can help you understand which medication is right for you. Additionally, if you are misusing one of these drugs, knowing specific information about how they work can motivate you to seek professional addiction treatment.

The main differences between Halcion and Xanax include what conditions they primarily treat, what side effects they cause, their potency and dosage, as well as their risks of physical dependence and addiction.

Abusing Halcion and Xanax can lead to an increased risk of respiratory depression or overdose, especially if you use them in high doses. If you are addicted to either drug, you should seek help from an addiction treatment center. At New Jersey Addiction Interventions, we can connect you with a benzodiazepine rehab that suits your needs.

In this article, you will learn:

• What is Xanax?
• What is Halcion?
• Halcion vs Xanax: What are the Differences?
• Can you get addicted to Halcion and Xanax?

What is Xanax (Alprazolam)?

Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, which is a prescription benzodiazepine. It is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Typically, Xanax is only prescribed for short-term or occasional use.

While Xanax is considered a mental health medication, it can lead to the development of a substance use disorder. When abused, Xanax can cause a euphoric and calming effect, which can be incredibly addictive.

The potential side effects of alprazolam include:[1]

• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Light-headedness
• Headaches
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Changes in mood and irritability
• Talkativeness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dry mouth or increased salivation
• Changes in sex drive or ability
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Difficulty urinating
• Joint pain

You should never combine Xanax with other drugs before consulting with a medical professional. This medication has a variety of drug interactions that could lead to dangerous symptoms. For example, mixing Xanax with alcohol could lead to central nervous system and respiratory depression.

What is Halcion (Triazolam)?

Halcion is the brand name for a benzodiazepine called triazolam. It is primarily used to treat insomnia in adults. You can only receive Halcion if you get a prescription from a doctor.

Even though Halcion is generally considered effective in managing insomnia, it is meant to be used as a short-term treatment. Using it for long periods can lead to physical dependence and addiction, as it has a sedative and calming effect.

The potential side effects of Halcion include:[2]

• Drowsiness and dizziness
• Lightheadedness and feelings of weakness
• Headaches
• Coordination issues
• Nervousness or irritability
• Tingling of the skin
• Nausea and vomiting

Xanax and Halcion have many similarities, including their interactions. For example, you should never mix Halcion with alcohol, as it causes the same risk of respiratory depression as the mixture of alcohol and Xanax. Even further, you could experience memory problems with combining Halcion with other drugs that cause sedative effects.

Halcion vs Xanax: Similarities and Differences Between the Two

Halcion and Xanax are two drugs that have a lot in common. They are both benzodiazepines, central nervous system depressants, prescription drugs, and can lead to abuse or addiction. Despite their similarities, there are also differences to be aware of.

The main differences between Xanax and Halcion include:

Side Effects

Both triazolam and alprazolam have side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination. When used in large doses, the two medications can cause slurred speech, memory problems, extreme drowsiness, slowing activity, poor motor coordination, and more.

That said, Halcion is associated with fewer side effects than Xanax. For example, Xanax can lead to difficulty urinating, joint pain, and changes in sex drive, while Halcion is not known to cause these effects.

Potency and Dosage

Halcion’s effects are considered to be more potent than Xanax’s. When comparing Halcion and Xanax, there is a greater risk of mind-altering effects, slurred speech, and drowsiness when taking Halcion.

Halcion is stronger, but it has a shorter half-life and doesn’t last as long as Xanax. Xanax has a longer-lasting effect than Halcion.

Additionally, these medications are prescribed at different dosages. For example, Halcion dosage ranges from 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, and up to a maximum dosage of 0.5 mg. It is only taken once at bedtime.

On the other hand, Xanax is prescribed at 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg, which is taken 3 times per day.

While triazolam is considered to be more potent, both Halcion and Xanax are considered high-potency benzodiazepines. This means you should avoid taking more than you are prescribed.

Risk of Substance Abuse

Xanax and Halcion both pose a risk of substance abuse. That said, Halcion is more potent, which means it might be easier to become addicted to it. However, Xanax tends to be more readily available on the street, which means there are higher rates of substance abuse associated with it.

Whether you abuse Xanax or Halcion, you should seek help from a drug rehab program. Both medications can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. At New Jersey Addiction Interventions, we can connect you with a top-rated benzodiazepine treatment center that includes medical detox services.

Primary Use and Treatment for Panic Attacks

Halcion is typically prescribed to treat insomnia, while Xanax is FDA-approved to manage anxiety and panic disorders.[3] Because of how strong the sedative effect of Halcion is, it is not used to manage anxiety that occurs during the day. That said, it can manage anxiety-related insomnia.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Because Xanax and Halcion share similar side effects and work in the brain in the same way, they also have the same withdrawal symptoms. If you are addicted to either drug and suddenly stop using it, you’ll experience a wide range of withdrawal symptoms, some of which can be severe.

Because these medications can lead to dangerous side effects like seizures during withdrawal, you should seek help from a medical detox center. Thankfully, New Jersey Addiction Interventions can connect you with a reputable program in your area.

What are the Signs of Halcion and Xanax Addiction?

If you abuse a medication like alprazolam or triazolam, you will develop an addiction. Knowing the symptoms and side effects of benzodiazepine addiction can help you identify whether you need professional help.

The main signs of Halcion or Xanax addiction include:

• Using the drug for longer or more than you intended to
• Spending a lot of time obtaining or using Halcion and Xanax
• Wanting to quit using Xanax or Halcion but being unsuccessful
• Experiencing urges or cravings for benzodiazepine use
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Continuing to use the drug despite facing social problems or adverse physical and mental health effects
• Using Xanax or Halcion in risky situations, such as while driving
• Needing to increase the dose of either drug to experience the desired effect
• Dealing with withdrawal symptoms when you stop using benzodiazepines

Find Help for Benzodiazepine Abuse

Abusing Xanax, Halcion, and other prescription drugs can lead to the development of a substance use disorder. If you or a loved one suffers from benzodiazepine addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. At New Jersey Addiction Interventions, we can help Halcion or Xanax users get connected with a drug rehab center that offers individualized treatment and evidence-based care.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can connect you with a top-rated benzodiazepine addiction treatment center.

References:

1. Medline Plus: Alprazolam
2. Medline Plus: Triazolam
3. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Alprazolam