Quazepam

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

Quazepam may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use quazepam in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel a stronger urge to use more quazepam.

Never share this medicine with anyone else, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot reach it. Selling or giving away this medicine is illegal.

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

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

Call your doctor if your insomnia does not get better after taking quazepam for 7 to 10 nights, or if you notice any changes in your mood or behavior. Insomnia can be a sign of depression, mental illness, or some medical conditions. Do not take quazepam for more than 10 nights in a row unless your doctor has instructed you to.

Do not stop using quazepam without consulting your doctor. Stopping suddenly after long-term use may lead to life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep your medicine in a place where no one can misuse it.

• Your insomnia symptoms may return when you stop using quazepam after long-term use.

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.

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.

Quazepam can cause a severe allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; nausea, vomiting; or 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 lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Quazepam may lead to serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you experience:

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

Some people taking quazepam have done activities like driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex without remembering it later. Let your doctor know if this happens to you.

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Be careful to avoid falling or getting injured.

Common side effects of quazepam may include:

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

After stopping quazepam, seek medical help immediately if you experience symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, increased activity or talkativeness, sudden and severe mood or behavior changes, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or suicidal thoughts or actions.

Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after suddenly stopping quazepam. Inform your doctor if you have ongoing anxiety, depression, memory or thinking problems, 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 regarding side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

Quazepam is used as needed. If you have a dosing schedule and miss a dose, skip it. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Taking too much quazepam can be deadly if you combine it with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing.

• Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, or coma.

Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, weak or shallow breathing, or coma.

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

You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking this medicine. Wait until you are fully awake before driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that needs you to be awake and alert. Your reactions may be affected.

Using quazepam with other medications that make you sleepy or slow down your breathing can lead to serious side effects or even death. Talk to your doctor before taking opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicines for anxiety or seizures.

Other medications may impact how quazepam works, including both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking.