What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Quazepam?

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking quazepam and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to quazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), midazolam (Versed), temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam (Halcion).
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take quazepam.

• asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems
• kidney or liver disease
• a history of depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
• a history of drug or alcohol addiction

FDA pregnancy category X. Quazepam can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. It may also cause withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes quazepam during pregnancy. Do not use quazepam if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.
Quazepam can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
The sedative effects of quazepam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking quazepam.
Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old.

Quazepam Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Quazepam?

Quazepam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking quazepam and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using quazepam and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• worsening insomnia
• confusion, anxiety, slurred speech, unusual thoughts or behavior
• hallucinations, agitation, aggression
• weak or shallow breathing
• fast or pounding heartbeats
• muscle stiffness in your tongue, jaw, or neck
• problems with urination; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Less serious side effects may include:

• daytime drowsiness (or during hours when you are not normally sleeping)
• amnesia or forgetfulness
• muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination
• dizziness, vision problems
• nightmares
• headache, blurred vision, depressed mood
• feeling nervous, excited, or irritable
• impotence, loss of interest in sex
• mild itching or skin rash
• nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite; or
• dry mouth, increased thirst

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 Interactions

What other drugs affect Quazepam?

Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by quazepam. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other sleep medication.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

• bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)
• cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar)
• efavirenz (Sustiva)
• irinotecan (Camptosar)
• promethazine (Phenergan); or
• selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with quazepam. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Quazepam?

Do not drink alcohol while taking quazepam. Even alcohol consumed during the day can increase the side effects of quazepam taken at bedtime. Avoid alcohol for several days after taking quazepam, as small amounts of the drug may remain in your body during that time.
Quazepam can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Quazepam Dosage

How should I take Quazepam?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take quazepam only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.
Do not take quazepam with food or just after a meal.
Contact your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in helping you fall asleep and stay asleep.
Quazepam should be used for only a short time to treat insomnia. After 7 to 10 nights of use, talk with your doctor about whether or not you should keep taking quazepam. Do not take this medication for longer than 12 weeks without your doctor’s advice.
Your insomnia symptoms may return when you stop using quazepam, especially during the first day or two. You may also have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, stomach pain, muscle cramps, sweating, shaky or unpleasant feeling, or seizure (convulsions). Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using quazepam.
Quazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Quazepam should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
Store quazepam at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Keep track of how many tablets have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Benzodiazepines are drugs of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I overdose on Quazepam?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of quazepam can be fatal, especially if you take it with alcohol.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, and fainting or coma.

What happens if I miss a dose of Quazepam?

Since quazepam is taken as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule. Take quazepam only when you have time for several hours of sleep.

What happens if I miss a dose of Quazepam?

Since quazepam is taken as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule. Take quazepam only when you have time for several hours of sleep.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com