Quazepam

Generic name: Quazepam
Brand names: Doral
Dosage form: oral tablet (15 mg)
Drug class: Benzodiazepines

Usage of Quazepam

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 side effects

Quazepam may cause a severe allergic Reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; nausea, vomiting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Quazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Quazepam may cause serious side effects. 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, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. Tell your doctor if this happens to you.

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

Common side effects of quazepam may include:

drowsiness, dizziness;

headache;

feeling tired;

dry mouth; or

upset stomach.

After you stop using quazepam, get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions.

Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping quazepam suddenly. Tell your doctor if you have ongoing anxiety, depression, problems with memory or thinking, trouble sleeping, ringing in your ears, a burning or prickly feeling, or a crawling sensation under your skin.

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.

Before taking Quazepam

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).

May cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. If you use quazepam during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks. Use effective birth control while using quazepam. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you have ever HAD:

breathing problems;

drug or alcohol addiction;

suicidal thoughts or actions;

depression or mental illness; or

liver or kidney disease.

Do not breastfeed.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Quazepam

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:

Initial dose: 7.5 mg orally once a day at bedtimeMaintenance dose: 7.5 to 15 mg orally once a day at bedtimeComments:-Prolonged administration is not recommended.-The dose may be increased to 15 mg orally at bedtime if necessary for efficacy.-The lowest effective dose should be used as adverse effects are dose related.Use: Treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, and/or early morning awakenings

Warnings

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

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

Do not stop using quazepam without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.

Get medical help right away if you stop using quazepam and have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts about suicide.

Do not use if you are pregnant.

What other drugs will affect Quazepam

Using 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 other medicines you use.

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