Suggest Alternate Over The Counter Medication For Halcion

Posted on Sat, 30 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 30 Jan 2016 Answered on

Sat, 19 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I moved here from Calif. and insurance will not pay for my Halcion 2x.25 per night what the are giving me does not work. I have a life time record of insomnia going back to the 1950's & 60's when they treated me with the frugs of the time thorazine & Compazine. over the years medicine has come a long way and I've been doing fine with the Halcion with almost 30 years do you have any suggestions I could ask for a substitute I am really worried about doctoring up what they are giving me with 2 or 3 Unisom's every nite.

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
ATIVAN is a suitable alternative.

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.

I can certainly understand your concerns.

I worked through your query in detail.

Since you have been on HALCION for more than 3 days, less effective and inferior drugs like UNISOM and ALPRAZOLAM will not cater your needs in sleep induction and maintainance.

Similar long acting drugs like LORAZEPAM 2mg will be equally effective.

This drug is available in USA with brand names like ATIVAN and XXXXXXX

Please check with your physician if he shares my view and if prescribe this drug to you as a suitable alternative to HALCION.

Also Check with your Insurance company, if they cover this medication.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar