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Halcion vs Xanax For Anxiety: What You Should Know Before Taking Them

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Halcion vs Xanax

Today, there are thousands of varieties of drugs available to solve a single health issue. The increased options have made it very difficult to choose a particular drug for a health condition. To solve this problem, we can choose two drugs with the same mechanism of action and compare various aspects of their use to find out which is more suitable between the two or which can be taken under what conditions. In this blog, Halcion vs Xanax, we will compare these two drugs and find out which drug to use when.

Halcion And Xanax: Key Difference Between Doses, Onset, Potency, & Risks

What Is Halcion?

The drug Halcion is the brand name for Triazolam, which treats patients suffering from insomnia. Halcion acts on the central nervous system to produce a calming effect on the body, which helps to sleep faster. This drug must be stored at room temperature and must not be exposed to direct sunlight. Halcion can be addictive and cause dependency, so it must be used carefully.

Before taking Halcion, you must tell your doctor if you have any conditions, like:

  • Liver disease
  • Pregnant
  • Breastfeeding
  • Mental issues
  • Allergies
  • Glaucoma
  • Sleep apnea
  • Substance use disorder

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is used as a brand name for Alprazolam and belongs to the group of Benzodiazepines. It is a prescription drug used for various anxiety disorders and pain relief. It acts upon the central nervous system, which calms down the brain and provides relief. This is a highly potent drug and hence must be handled carefully to avoid getting addicted to it. If you missed a dose of Xanax, then do not take the risk of overdosing by taking the missed one with the regular dose. You can either skip the missed one or just continue from the next one as usual.

What’s The Difference Between Halcion and Xanax?

Since both Halcion and Xanax belong to the same family of Benzodiazepines, some of you might be wondering is Halcion and Xanax the same? The answer is no, they are not similar drugs and have various other properties that distinguish them from each other. To prove their difference, let’s discuss all the factors responsible in detail.

Doses Of Halcion vs Xanax

The doses given to individuals are highly subjective based on their condition and capacity. The initial doses are always lower, which may increase based on the patient’s condition. It is important not to change them according to your own wishes without consulting a physician.

Halcion Doses

  • This drug is prescribed for a very short span of time, mainly up to 7 days.
  • Initially, the patient is given 0.125-0.25 mg of Halcion, which may be further increased up to the maximum of 0.5 mg.

Xanax Doses

  • The initial dose for anxiety disorder is 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg tablets, which must be taken three times daily.
  • For panic disorder 0.5 mg tablet is given three times daily, which can be increased by 1 mg every 3 to 4 days if the condition does not get better.

Now, let’s have a quick reference on more factors in the form of a table.

FactorsHalcionXanax
Generic nameTriazolamAlprazolam
Available FormulationTabletTablet and Solution
Strength0.125 mg, 0.25 mg0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
PotencyHighModerate
Onset15 to 30 minutes30 to 60 minutes
Half-lifeBetween 1.5 and 5.5 hoursFrom 6.3 to 26.9 hours
CostExpensive than XanaxCheaper than Halcion
UseInsomniaAnxiety disorder, Panic disorder

Which Is Stronger, Halcion or Xanax?

It is difficult to decide the stronger between Halcion and Xanax because they belong to the same group of Benzodiazepines and also the same schedule category. So, if we want to compare their strength, we can take the onset as a factor. Since Halcion works very fast in the body as compared to Xanax, we can say that it is stronger than Xanax. The strength of these drugs can also depend on the number of doses. If a drug is given in a higher dose, then it will definitely be stronger compared to lower doses.

Halcion vs Xanax For Dental Anxiety

For dental anxiety, Halcion is a preferable option compared to Xanax. This is because Halcion has a faster onset for which it provides faster sedation during the surgery. This also provides relaxation during the entire process and also develops partial amnesia, which makes you forget about the entire experience. In some cases, Xanax is preferred where the patient wants soothing effects even after the surgery is over.

Side Effects of Halcion vs Xanax

There are several side effects noticed in individuals taking either Halcion or Xanax. These side effects can be an indication that the drug is starting to show its effect in the body. But if the symptoms start to increase with every passing day and interfere with your daily life, then it is a matter of concern and needs immediate attention.

Side Effects of Halcion

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Amnesia
  • Confusion
  • Aggression
  • Allergy
  • Diziness
  • Fatigue
  • Drowsiness
  • Addiction

Side Effects of Xanax

  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Light-headedness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Poor balance
  • Slurred speech

Drug Interactions of Halcion vs Xanax

It’s better not to mix certain drugs to avoid the risk of causing an interaction. Their interaction is not good for our body and harms them badly. Let’s discuss the drugs that you should avoid combining with Halcion or Xanax.

Drug Interactions of Halcion

Xanax Interactions

  • Ambien
  • Amlodipine
  • Cymbalta
  • Flexeril
  • Gabapentin
  • Lamictal
  • Lexapro
  • Norco
  • Omeprazole
  • Oxycodone
  • Prednisone
  • Tramadol
  • Trazodone
  • Zoloft
  • Zyrtec

Can you take Halcion and Xanax together?

It is never recommended to combine Halcion and Xanax, and if you do it by mistake, then it’s advised to visit a doctor immediately. Both Benzodiazepines can cause excess sedation, which can be fatal and even cause death. There are several other consequences, such as:

  • Risk of overdosing
  • Enhancing the side effects of both drugs
  • Intensify CNS depression, which can slow the heart rate and breathing.

You can take several precautions to avoid the mistake, such as keeping the drugs separately and labeling each of them.

Alternatives

There are several alternatives available for patients who are not able to use either drug. These alternatives are equally efficient and might provide you with even better relief than Halcion or Xanax.

Alternatives to Halcion

  • Ativan
  • Restoril
  • Oxazepam
  • Ambien
  • Lunesta
  • Trazodone

Alternatives to Xanax

  • Zoloft
  • Hydroxyzine
  • Clonazepam
  • Lorazepam
  • Theanine
  • Citalopram
  • Inositol
  • Pregabalin
  • Propranolol

Conclusion

At the end of this blog, we can conclude that Halcion and xanax are equally effective benzodiazepines, which can provide relief. If used according to the instructions given by the doctor, they can provide efficient results within a very short span of time. You must remember to use these drugs carefully without misusing them by increasing their dose or mixing them without consulting a doctor.

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