Calm for the chair. Without the IV.

How it works

At your consult we decide together whether sedation is right for you. If yes, we write you a prescription for two Halcion (triazolam) 0.25 mg tablets. You fill the script at any pharmacy.

On the day of your appointment, you take one tablet about one hour before you arrive. Bring the second tablet with you. If we need to deepen the sedation during your visit, we will use the second tablet at the chair. You will not be sedated beyond a calm, drowsy state.

This is conscious sedation, not general anesthesia. You will be awake, breathing on your own, and able to respond to us. Most patients describe it as feeling pleasantly detached, like the procedure happened to someone else. Many remember little or nothing of the visit afterward.

What we do not offer

No nitrous oxide (laughing gas). No IV sedation. No general anesthesia. If your case truly needs deeper sedation, we will refer you to a sedation provider or an oral surgeon who offers it.

The day of your procedure

• Eat a light meal 4 hours before, then nothing solid after that. Clear liquids OK up to 2 hours before.
• Take one Halcion 0.25 mg tablet by mouth, 1 hour before your scheduled time.
• Bring the second tablet with you in case we need it during the visit.
• Bring a responsible adult driver. We will not perform the procedure without one. They must stay with you at home for the rest of the day.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Do not drive, operate machinery, sign legal documents, or drink alcohol for 24 hours after.

Who should not take Halcion

Halcion is not safe for everyone. We will review your medical history at the consult. You cannot have it if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have narrow-angle glaucoma
• Have severe sleep apnea or COPD
• Have a known allergy to benzodiazepines
• Are taking certain antifungals, HIV medications, or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
• Have a history of substance use disorder involving sedatives

If any of these apply, you can still have the procedure with local anesthesia only, or we can refer you for a different sedation approach.

What it feels like

About 30 to 45 minutes after taking the pill, you will feel relaxed and drowsy. Time will seem to pass quickly. You will be able to talk to us, open your mouth on command, and follow simple instructions, but you will not be anxious about what we are doing.

The effect lasts about 4 to 6 hours total. Most patients sleep for a few hours afterward at home.

Side effects to know

Common: drowsiness, dry mouth, mild dizziness, brief amnesia of the procedure.

Less common: nausea, headache, lingering grogginess into the next day. We will give you a written aftercare sheet and a number to call.

Cost

$200 flat, added to your procedure fee. This covers the consultation for sedation, the prescription, monitoring during your visit (pulse, oxygen, blood pressure), and the longer chair time. The pharmacy charges separately for filling the prescription (typically $5 to $15 with a discount card).