The Halcion story: trial by media.

Triazolam ('Halcion'), a benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic, has been alleged to produce unique and serious adverse effects on the central nervous system. In the Netherlands television and newspaper coverage of reported side-effects was followed by a temporary suspension of the drug there. The reported adverse reactions resemble ones known to occur occasionally after older benzodiazepines and other central nervous system drugs. Whatever the final verdict on triazolam may be, there is reason to question whether regulatory decisions forced by flamboyant media coverage are in the public interest.