Halazepam Side Effects

Applies to halazepam: oral tablet.

Warning

Halazepam is not commercially available in the United States.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Halazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

Avoid alcohol while taking halazepam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by halazepam.

Halazepam is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if halazepam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking halazepam and seek emergency medical attention:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
sores in the mouth or throat;
yellowing of the skin or eyes;
a rash;
hallucinations or severe confusion; or
changes in vision.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take halazepam and talk to your doctor if you experience

drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness;
depression;
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;
difficulty urinating;
vivid dreams;
headache;
dry mouth;
decreased sex drive; or
changes in behavior.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to halazepam: oral tablet.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have been common and have included drowsiness, sedation, somnolence, confusion, poor memory, dizziness, ataxia, and decreased motor coordination (particularly in elderly patients). Paradoxical excitement and behavioral disinhibition have also been observed by some clinicians.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects including nausea and dry mouth have been reported.^[Ref]

Other

Other side effects have included withdrawal symptoms after either abrupt cessation or fast tapering of benzodiazepines and tolerance to the pharmacologic effects of other benzodiazepines has been reported . However, withdrawal symptoms have not been specifically reported for halazepam.^[Ref]

Withdrawal symptoms may include agitation, restlessness, anxiety, depression, insomnia, tremor, abdominal discomfort, blurred vision, vomiting, sweating, and seizures.^[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects including dose-dependent respiratory depression have been associated with use of other benzodiazepines but has not been specifically reported for halazepam.^[Ref]

More about halazepam

Related treatment guides

Anxiety

References

1. Fann WE, Pitts WM, Wheless JC. Pharmacology, efficacy, and adverse effects of halazepam, a new benzodiazepine. Pharmacotherapy. 1982;2:72-9.

2. Mendels J, Wasserman TW, Michals TJ, Fine EW. Halazepam in the management of acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome. J Clin Psychiatry. 1985;46:172-4.

3. Aden GC, O'Hair DE. Effectiveness of bedtime dosing of benzodiazepines: a placebo- controlled comparison of halazepam and clorazepate. Clin Ther. 1980;3:209-18.

4. Fann WE, Sullivan JL, 3d Miller RD. Halazepam in anxious outpatients: a controlled study. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 1974;16:1281-6.

5. Gagnon MA, Langlois Y, Boghen DR, Verdy M. Effects of halazepam and diazepam on the motor coordination of geriatric subjects. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1977;11:443-8.

6. Pierce MW, Shu VS, Groves LJ. Safety of estazolam. The United States clinical experience. Am J Med. 1990;88:s12-7.

7. Product Information. Prosom (estazolam). Abbott Pharmaceutical. 2022.

8. Skatrud JB, Badr S, Begle RL, Juan D. Ventilatory response to single, high dose estazolam in healthy humans. J Clin Pharmacol. 1990;30:543-8.