quazepam (Doral)

Brand Names: Doral

Generic Name: quazepam

• What is quazepam (Doral)?
• What are the possible side effects of quazepam (Doral)?
• What is the most important information I should know about quazepam (Doral)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking quazepam (Doral)?
• How should I take quazepam (Doral)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Doral)?
• What happens if I overdose (Doral)?
• What should I avoid while taking quazepam (Doral)?
• What other drugs will affect quazepam (Doral)?
• Where can I get more information (Doral)?

Quazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to treat insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep).

Quazepam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Quazepam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking quazepam and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; nausea and vomiting; snoring, difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Quazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have weak or shallow breathing, if you are hard to wake up, or if you stop breathing.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• confusion, agitation, hallucinations;
• unusual thoughts or behavior;
• suicidal thoughts; or
• worsening depression.

Some people using quazepam have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. Tell your doctor if this happens to you.

The sedative effects of quazepam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines.

Common side effects may include:

• daytime drowsiness;
• headache, dizziness;
• feeling very tired;
• upset stomach; or
• dry mouth.

For 1 to 2 days after you stop taking quazepam, you may have side effects such as:

• trouble sleeping;
• panic attacks, feeling nervous or light-headed;
• uncontrolled crying;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or
• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Quazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing.

MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Do not drink alcohol while taking quazepam or for several days after you stop taking this medicine.

Do not stop using quazepam suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that may last for several weeks to more than 12 months. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

You should not use quazepam if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a chronic breathing disorder;
• sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep); or
• an allergy to sleep medicine or to other benzodiazepines (such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, Ativan, Valium, Tranxene, Versed, Xanax, and others).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• breathing problems;
• depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts;
• alcoholism or drug addiction; or
• liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you use quazepam while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks.

You should not breastfeed while using quazepam.

Quazepam is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use quazepam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.

Never share quazepam with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

When you first start taking quazepam, you may need to cut the tablet in half to get the correct dose. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions carefully.

Take this medicine only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.

Call your doctor if your insomnia does not improve after taking quazepam for 7 to 10 nights, or if you have any mood or behavior changes. Insomnia can be a symptom of depression, mental illness, or certain medical conditions.

Do not take quazepam for longer than 10 nights in a row, unless your doctor has told you to. The first few nights after you stop taking quazepam, your insomnia symptoms may return and could be worse than before. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Do not stop using quazepam suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as problems with memory or concentration, muscle twitching, burning or prickly feeling, sudden changes in mood or behavior, hallucinations, or thoughts of suicide or hurting others). Some withdrawal symptoms may last for several weeks to more than 12 months. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.

QUESTION

Why do we sleep? See Answer

Since quazepam is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Take quazepam only when you have time for several hours of sleep. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of quazepam can be fatal, especially if taken with alcohol.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, or loss of consciousness.

Do not drink alcohol while taking quazepam or for several days after you stop taking this medicine.

You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking this medicine. Wait until you are fully awake before you drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Your reactions may be impaired.

Small amounts of quazepam can remain in your body for several days after you stop taking it. Other medicines you use during that time may cause drug interactions.

Taking quazepam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect quazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about quazepam.

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