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Brand: DORAL
Published 2026-02-16 · Last reviewed 2026-02-23 · 5 references
Content sourced from FDA labeling (DailyMed) and peer-reviewed literature.
Quazepam is a benzodiazepine hypnotic indicated for insomnia characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and/or early morning awakenings (label). It is generally used as a short course rather than a chronic nightly medication.
Quazepam’s long duration is driven by active metabolites with long half-lives. Accumulation over 1–2 weeks can produce increasing morning impairment, falls, and impaired driving risk even if the nightly dose is unchanged (label).
Benzodiazepine risks include abuse/misuse, addiction, and clinically significant physical dependence with withdrawal reactions; these risks support a defined duration with follow-up and an exit/taper plan (label / safety guidance).
Boxed warning: Concomitant use with opioids can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death; avoid co-prescribing when possible (label).
The quazepam compare view, quazepam evidence feed, and quazepam print page can support shared decision-making, including taper planning and impairment counseling.
Quazepam is often positioned as a longer-duration benzodiazepine hypnotic. Because its metabolites accumulate, teams commonly emphasize a short course, cautious dosing, and monitoring for morning impairment and falls, especially in older adults.
View labelExactRefer to the Glossary entry on Neurotransmitters for background on receptor systems involved in serious mental illness.
Positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors, producing hypnotic effects via increased inhibitory neurotransmission.
Sedation and cognitive slowing scale with dose and co-administered CNS depressants; total sedative burden drives harm.
Repeated nightly use can produce tolerance and dependence; abrupt discontinuation can trigger withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia.
Sources: FDA/DailyMed label; insomnia guideline context; benzodiazepine safety guidance.