Doral

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Doral is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). This medicine affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety.

Doral is used to treat insomnia symptoms, such as trouble falling or staying asleep.

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

Pharmacodynamics

Quazepam is a benzodiazepine derivative. The main pharmacological action of quazepam is the enhancement of the neurotransmitter, GABA at the GABAA receptor.

Mechanism of action

Benzodiazepines bind nonspecifically to benzodiazepine receptors, which affects muscle relaxation, anticonvulsant activity, motor coordination, and memory. As benzodiazepine receptors are thought to be coupled to gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors, this enhances the effects of GABA by increasing GABA affinity for the GABA receptor. Binding of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA to the site opens the chloride channel, resulting in a hyperpolarized cell membrane that prevents further excitation of the cell.

What is the most important information I should know about quazepam (Doral)?

You should not use quazepam if you have sleep apnea or a chronic breathing disorder.

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

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity.

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

DOSAGE METHOD

tablet: Schedule IV

7.5mg

15mg

Insomnia

Initial: 15 mg PO qHS

Maintenance: 7.5-15 mg PO qHS

May reduce dose after 1-2 nights

Dosage Modifications

Renal or hepatic impairment: Caution; monitor for signs of overdose like excessive sedation or impaired coordination

What other drugs will affect Doral?

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 Doral with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with quazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS

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.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

confusion, agitation, aggression;

unusual behavior (decreased inhibition, feeling more outgoing than normal);

hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real);

suicidal thoughts or actions;

worsening depression;

memory problems; or

worsening insomnia.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been taken to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date and complete, Prime Medical Pharma cannot guarantee its accuracy. Please note that the drug information contained herein may be time-sensitive and should not be relied upon beyond the date hereof. This material is intended as a reference resource and should not be used as a substitute for the expertise, skill, knowledge, and judgment of healthcare practitioners in patient care. It is important to note that the absence of a warning for a given drug or combination thereof does not imply safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for any particular patient. This material does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy.