Individuals often experience difficulty in getting sleep. It leads to various health conditions. For instance, diabetes, hypertension, depression, and heart strokes. Insomnia can be caused due to stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, anxiety, etc. However, it is a common problem that can be solved through medications and a healthy diet. The two common medications Halcion and Ambien are used to manage the symptoms of this sleeping problem. In this blog, you will see a brief view of two insomnia medicines Halcion vs Ambien, and also see the differences between them.
So, let’s start the blog!
What is Halcion?
Halcion is a brand of medicine that contains Triazolam generic drug as an active ingredient. The drug is used in insomnia treatment. The doctor prescribes this drug to insomnia patients to get rid of sleeping problems.
The medicine belongs to the benzodiazepines drug class. Meanwhile, it falls under the Schedule IV Controlled Substance Act. Individuals who are above 18 years old can consume the Halcion pills.
However, there are several other drugs that also offer insomnia solutions such medicines are Zolpidem, Ambien, Ativan, and Halcion. It contains inactive ingredients like Cellulose, Docusate Sodium, Lactose, Magnesium Stearate, Sodium Benzoate, etc.
Although the medicine is available in two dosage forms with different imprinted initials and colors, in the forms of oral, oval pills.
Function of Halcion Drug:
Halcion enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical transmitter in the brain. When GABA chemicals are not produced properly in the brain, the sleep cycle is affected.
However, the drug reduces the effects of those chemicals which are specifically responsible for insomnia in individuals. Therefore, medicine is prescribed to improve the sleep cycle. It relaxes the nervous system helps to fall asleep within an hour and stays active for up to 4 hours. It is considered a CNS depressant and often can form addiction. Therefore, individuals should consume it after taking a prescription and for a recommended duration.
Halcion Doses
- Halcion 0. 25 mg (Blue oral Pills) Imprint: HALCION 0.25
- Halcion 0. 125mg (white oral Pills) Imprint: HALCION 0. 125
What is Ambien?
Ambien is also another drug for insomnia that comprises Zolpidem generic drug. The medicine is FDA approved, to treat sleeping discomfort and belongs to the miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives, and hypnotics drug class. Although, it is also categorized under the Schedule IV Controlled Substance Act.
The drug is sold under multiple brand names such as Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, Zolpimist, Intermezzo, etc. Along with Zolpidem, it contains three more inactive ingredients such as magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, and microcrystalline cellulose. Individuals who are between 18 and 64 years of age can consume this prescription drug.
It comes in two dosage forms with different imprinted initials on the tablets. It is widely prescribed to insomnia patients to provide enough sleep. However, it is a prescription drug and not intended to be used for pregnant women.
The medicine was first developed by the French pharmaceutical corporation Sanofi-Aventis in the USA to counter sleeping problems.
Function of Ambien Drug:
The drug reduces the effects of the chemicals that cause the condition of insomnia in individuals. The medicine’s active ingredient Zolpidem enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical transmitter in the brain.
Whenever this chemical does not build properly in the brain, a person experiences an imbalanced sleep. Due to this he/she feels restlessness. Therefore, taking Ambien drugs can support an individual to improve their sleep quality. The drug starts to work within an hour and lasts for 14 hours.
Ambien Doses
- Ambien 5 mg (Pink oval pill)
- Ambien 10 mg ( white oval oral pill)
Similarities Between Both Drugs: Halcion Vs Ambien
- Both are branded medicines and FDAapproved
- The two medicines are used to treat the same health condition (insomnia).
- Both drugs work on the same neurotransmitters to provide relief from restlessness.
- Both sleeping pills are available in two dosage forms.
- Individuals who are above 18 years allowed to use both medicines.
- Both drugs belong to the Schedule IV Controlled Substance Act.
- These drugs have the potential to be abused so they should not be used for a longer period.
Differences: Ambien vs Halcion
- Both medicines contain different generic drugs.
- The manufacturer of the drugs also varies.
- The two medicines are sold under many brand names.
- These drugs are only allowed to be used for adult patients.
- Both medicines’ active duration is varied.
- Halcion belongs to the Benzodiazepines drug class while the miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives, and hypnotics drug class.
How To Use Halcion and Ambien Drugs:
Following are the using guides for both medicines.
- Regarding the medicine, take a prescription from a certified doctor.
- Consume the tablet or pill before going to bed.
- Do not crush or chew the oral pill, swallow it whole.
- Keep the medicine away from children’s reach.
- Take a pill if one is above 18 years old.
- In the case of not getting enough sleep, do not take an overdose.
Side Effects of Both Medications:
Here is the list of side effects of using Halcion and Ambien medicines.
- Nightmare
- Hair fall
- Loss of appetite
- Concentration loss
- Being forgetful
- Tiredness
- Dark urine
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Weakness in body
- Fever
- Depression
- Confusion
- Hallucination
- Forgetfulness
- Unusual thoughts
- Behavior problems
- Lightheadedness
Precautions for Halcions and Ambien Pills:
Individuals should keep in mind the following precautions while using the drugs.
- If one is an alcoholic or drug addict, then one must tell the doctor about it.
- Avoid all prohibited foods and beverages.
- Do not perform any task, after taking the pill.
- Read the product label carefully before using the pills.
- Pregnant women should avoid these medicines.
- If an individual experiences any serious side effects immediately, consult with the doctor.
- Do not suggest the medicine to another person, without a prescription.
- If one has an allergy related to the composition of the medicine, tell to the doctor.
Conclusion:
Finding a solution to insomnia is important to maintain overall health and get sleep on time. In this blog, you have seen the overview of two insomnia medicines, Halcion and Ambien. Both drugs are effective to remove insomnia and sleeping problems. However, before using any medicine getting a prescription is a must to avoid further health complications.
