Halcion and Ativan are both Benzodiazepine drugs, used for treating insomnia, which includes symptoms like trouble falling or staying asleep. Insomnia is a sleeping disorder that can be caused by psychological factors like anxiety, stress, etc. These drugs are known for their effectiveness in managing insomnia and its related consequences in patients.
However, Halcion and Ativan both belong to similar drug classes, but they might differ in their uses, dosages and dosing, mechanism, side effects, and precautions. This blog concludes with all the essential information about these drugs that patients must be aware of.
Overview
Halcion
Halcion is a Benzodiazepine formulation developed for the short-term (7 to 10 days) treatment of insomnia in adults. It contains generic triazolam, which operates by binding to specific Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type-A receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). This binding process results in hyperpolarization of neuronal membranes to reduce excitability and to produce sedative, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic, and hypnotic effects.
Halcion has a rapid onset action, which is effective for a short duration making it an effective and suitable treatment option for insomnia. Although, it is a Schedule IV controlled substance drug, indicates that it has a potential for dependence. Therefore, the patient’s regular monitoring is necessary.
Ativan
Ativan is an antianxiety agent, indicated to be used for treating anxiety in adults and children aged 12 or above. Moreover, it can be prescribed for insomnia caused by temporary stress or anxiety disorders.
It contains generic Lorazepam, an effective Benzodiazepine. It works by binding to the specific GABA receptors to enhance its functioning. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate neuronal activities in the brain. This drug also assists in the hyperpolarization of neurons to reduce their excitability, which contributes to the symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.
Ativan has a rapid onset of action that makes it an effective option, as its soothing effects lasts for hours. Being a Schedule IV controlled substance, it has a potential for dependence and withdrawal, thus it is only prescribed for short-term uses.
Uses
Halcion
Primary use of Halcion
Insomnia: Halcion is known for its sedative and hypnotic effects that effectively manage insomnia, especially when the condition is severe or disabling. Its rapid onset of action makes it suitable for treating sleep disturbances. Halcion works by interacting with GABA receptors to improve neuronal activities in the brain.
Other uses of Halcion
- Anxiety
- Sedation (Preoperative)
- Ativan
Primary Use of Ativan
Anxiety Disorders: Ativan and its generic Lorazepam, are widely recommended for the management of anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorders, and panic disorders. Ativan effectively treats associated symptoms like excessive worry, nervousness, tension, etc., by producing calming effects in the central nervous system.
Other Uses of Ativan
- Insomnia
- Seizure Control
Dosage and Dosing
Notably, these products are available under the prescription-only drugs category, which means the dosing of these medications must be individualized by a healthcare expert. Some key factors like the patient’s age, metabolism, and overall health condition matter while deciding a dosage for the patient.
Halcion
The Halcion brand-name medicine is a scored tablet and comes in only one dosage strength 0.25mg. However, it has the generic version of 0.25mg and 0.125mg strengths for usage in the market.
Dosing of Halcion
- Taking 0.25mg once a day before sleeping or bedtime is the initial recommended dosage for adult patients.
- The starting dose for elderly patients is 0.125mg and it can be increased to 0.25mg based on the patient’s response to the medication.
It starts working within 30 minutes after being orally administered. The effectiveness of the Halcion drug approximately lasts up to 8 hours. Halcion can be taken with or without food.
Ativan
Ativan which is a brand-name drug is in the form of an oral tablet and comes with 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg of dosage. In contrast, its generic forms, namely Lorazepam, come in several forms and have variable dose strengths.
Dosing of Ativan
- The doses commonly administered for the majority of patients range from 2 to 6mg daily in divided doses and at night. Nevertheless, the dosage may range from 1 to 10 mg per day.
- For people suffering from anxiety, the starting dose is between 2 – 3mg/day and it can be administered in three divided doses.
- For insomnia cases, a single dose of 2 to 4 mg is prescribed and should be taken at night.
The Ativan drug starts working within 15-30 minutes in the patient’s body. However, it may take 2 hours to reach its maximum concentration. Its effectiveness typically ranges between 6 to 8 hours.
Side Effects
Ativan and Halcion medicines do not cause discomfort to many patients and hence can be taken. However, as with most drugs in existence, negative effects are also attributed to the usage of these drugs. But the fact is that the majority of these side effects are only short-term and subside automatically, while a few side effects may be dangerous and need medical attention.
Halcion Side Effects
- Agitation
- Chills
- Fainting
- Sleepiness
- Abdominal pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Discouragement
- Lightheadedness
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Somnolence
- Paresthesia
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Anorexia
Ativan Side Effects
- Respiratory Depression
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Headache
- Blurred Vision
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Dry Mouth
- Constipation
- Changes in Appetite
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Muscle Weakness
- Memory Problems
- Changes in Libido
- Skin Rash
Precautions
- Halcion and Ativan drugs should not be prescribed in instances where the patient has depression because such drugs are likely to cause a higher incidence and probability of suicide. Nevertheless, if a patient has proper antidepressant therapies, a doctor might advise the administration of such medicines.
- Alcohol should not be taken while using these medicines to help lessen the risk of side effects like fainting.
- These two are prescribed drugs, so one should seek the opinion of a doctor if they want to use Ativan and Halcion as medication.
- These Benzodiazepines are associated with short-term use only. One should remember that steady use and higher daily doses can bring a person to physical or psychological dependence.
- Reduction of dosages or stopping medications suddenly may cause the development of acute withdrawal symptoms that are dangerous for patients’ lives.
