Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using halcion as follows:
Tolerance and addiction
- Individuals using halcion can develop tolerance to the dose in due course of time, thus blunting the therapeutic effect.
- The dose of halcion should probably be enhanced at this point, to derive the same therapeutic benefit, thus increasing the risk for addiction.
- The risk for addiction is even more in individuals with history of substance/drug abuse, as the craving for the desired effect in these individuals will be high.
Withdrawal syndrome
- Reducing your dosage gradually over a period is the preferred way to quit halcion.
- Sudden withdrawal from halcion, after using for prolonged period of time, may lead to rebound of insomnia symptoms.
Abuse potential
- Halcion intake can be habit-forming and carries an abuse potential. The risk for addiction and abuse can be even higher, especially in individuals with history of substance abuse.
