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n

trade name: Doral; drug class: benzodiazepine, sedative-hypnotic, Controlled Substance Schedule IV; action: produces central nervous system depression by interacting with abenzodiazepine receptor to facilitate the action of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid; use: insomnia.

Brand names: Doral®

Chemical formula:

Español:
• Tabletas de quazepam

Quazepam tablets

What are quazepam tablets?

Quazepam (Doral®) is a benzodiazepine used to treat insomnia (trouble sleeping). Benzodiazepines are a family of medicines that have a relaxing effect on the central nervous system. This effect allows an individual to fall asleep and stay asleep more easily. Generic quazepam is not available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

Your health care professional should know if you have any of the following conditions:
• an alcohol or drug abuse problem
• bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health condition
• glaucoma
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties
• myasthenia gravis
• Parkinson's disease
• porphyria
• seizures or a history of seizures
• shortness of breath
• snoring
• suicidal thoughts
• uncontrolled pain
• an unusual or allergic reaction to quazepam, other benzodiazepines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medication?

Quazepam tablets are taken by mouth just before you go to bed at night.

What if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose when you remember, however, if it is the next day when you remember, wait until bedtime to take your medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

What drug(s) may interact with quazepam?

• alcohol
• bosentan
• caffeine
• cimetidine
• disulfiram
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• herbal or dietary supplements such as kava kava, melatonin, St. John's Wort or valerian
• imatinib, STI-571
• isoniazid
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam or triazolam
• medicines for depression, mental problems or psychiatric disturbances
• medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
• medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
• prescription pain medicines
• probenecid
• rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin
• some antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin)
• some medicines for colds, hay fever or other allergies
• some medicines for blood pressure or heart problems (amiodarone, diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil)
• some medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone)
• theophylline
• zafirlukast
• zileuton

Tell your doctor or other health professional about all other medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines. Notify your prescriber if you use alcohol or illegal drugs frequently as they may affect how your medicine works. Check with your doctor before starting or stopping any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking quazepam?

See your doctor or other healthcare professional regularly to assess your response to quazepam and to determine if you still need it. Quazepam may make you drowsy or dizzy and you should not operate machinery, drive or do anything that requires mental alertness until you see how quazepam affects you. Quazepam can have these effects even the day after you take it. Avoid alcoholic drinks because they can increase the dizziness and drowsiness that you experience. Check with your doctor or healthcare professional before taking other medicines that could make you drowsy such as sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotic pain medicine, other sleeping pills, or cold or allergy medicines.

Sleep medicines sometimes cause a type of memory loss, in which the person may not remember what has happened in the several hours after taking the medication. This type of memory loss is usually not a problem since this medicine is usually taken at bedtime; however there have been reports of driving or performing other activities while asleep after taking a sleep medicine. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you think you are having memory problems while on this medication.

What side effects may I notice from taking quazepam?

Side effects you should report to your doctor or other health care professional immediately:
• allergic reaction (itchy, watery eyes, rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, tongue, or throat)
• confusion
• depression
• seizures
• change in behavior (mood swings, aggressiveness)
• difficulty walking
• muscle cramps or spasms
• sleepwalking or performing other activities while asleep
• trouble with speech
• skin rash
• tremors

Side effects that do not usually require medical attention:
• dizziness, drowsiness, feeling of a hangover
• headache
• stomach upset, vomiting
• dry mouth
• trouble sleeping, nightmares

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store between 2—30 degrees C (36—86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

(kwā'zə-păm')
n.

A benzodiazepine derivative used as a sedative and hypnotic.