HEALTH

Consumer Group Calls for Ban on Halcion: A consumer health group called for a ban on the sleeping pill Halcion, made by Upjohn Co., citing studies showing that it causes amnesia, confusion and other mental disorders in patients. The drug is popular because it works quickly and does not cause grogginess. But Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of the Public Citizen Health Research Group, said studies show that the drug can cause more serious problems, including loss of consciousness, paranoia, hostility and seizures. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel concluded in May that Halcion had no dangerous psychiatric side effects and recommended that it remain on the market.