What is Doral?
Doral (benzodiazepine, BEN-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) is an FDA-approved medication used to treat insomnia (having difficulty falling or staying asleep). Doral can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Doral
Doral can cause an allergic reaction. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following: Hives, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat Doral can cause breathing problems, especially when you've recently consumed alcohol or opioid medications. If you have long pauses in your breathing, blue lips, or are hard to awaken, someone caring for you needs to seek immediate medical attention.
Doral can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Confusion, agitation, and hallucinations;
- Unusual thoughts or behaviors
- Suicidal thoughts
- Depression getting worse
Doral users have reported that they had no memory of activities such as driving, walking, eating, making calls, or having sexual relations. If this happens to you, tell your doctor. Dizziness or drowsiness may last for longer in older adults. Avoid falling or sustaining an injury by exercising caution.
Doral can cause the following side effects:
- Drowsiness, dizziness;
- Headache;
- Feeling tired
- Dry mouth
- Upset stomach.
If you experience any of the following symptoms after stopping Doral: abnormal muscle movements, increased activity or talkativeness, sudden and severe mood or behavioral changes, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or suicidal thoughts, Some withdrawal symptoms can last for up to a year or more after abruptly stopping Doral. If you experience anxiety, depression, or memory problems, have trouble sleeping, or are having difficulty thinking or remembering, tell your doctor. There may be other side effects. Need medical advice about side effects? Consult with your physician. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Quviviq, Lorazepam, Melatonin, Zolpidem, Diphenhydramine, Ativan, and Ambien
Warnings
Doral may slow or stop breathing, particularly if you've recently consumed alcohol or opioid medications.Misuse of medication may result in addiction, overdosage or even death; thus it should always be stored out of reach from others. Doral should not be stopped without consulting your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking the drug after a long period of use, you may experience life-threatening symptoms.Some withdrawal symptoms can last as much as a year or longer.Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms after stopping Doral, such as abnormal muscle movements, increased activity or talkativeness, sudden and severe mood or behavioral changes, confusion, hallucinations or seizures, or thoughts of suicide. Do not use it if you are pregnant.
Before you take this drug
Doral should not be used if:
- A chronic breathing disorder
- Sleep apnea is the stoppage of breathing during sleep.
- An allergy to benzodiazepines or sleep medicines (such as Ativan, Valium, and other benzodiazepines such as Lorazepam)
May cause birth defects. Use Doral with caution if you're pregnant. Your baby may be born with severe withdrawal symptoms and need treatment for weeks. While using this medication, use birth control. Should you become pregnant, notify your physician as soon as possible.
Inform your physician of any of the following conditions:
- Breathing problems
- Drug or alcohol abuse;
- Suicidal thoughts and actions
- Depression or mental illness
- Liver or kidney disease
Breastfeeding is not recommended. No one under the age of 18 is allowed to use this product.
How to take Doral?
Do not exceed the dosage prescribed on your prescription. Read all instructions and medication guides. Doral should never be used in higher doses or for longer periods than prescribed. Do not hesitate to tell your doctor if the urge to take more Doral increases. Avoid sharing this medication with anyone, particularly if they have a history of drug abuse. Misusing this medicine could result in addiction, overdose and possibly death; store it safely away where others cannot get access to it; it is illegal to sell or give this medication away for free. You may need to divide the Doral tablet in half when you first begin taking it to ensure you get the right dose. Dosage instructions from your doctor should be followed. You should only take this medication when you're getting ready to sleep for several hours. After taking this medicine, you may find yourself falling asleep quickly.
If your insomnia doesn't improve after 7–10 nights of taking Doral, or if there are any changes in your mood or behavior, call your doctor. Insomnia is a sign of depression, mental illness, or other medical conditions. Do not take this medication for more than 10 consecutive nights unless you have been told to by your doctor. Doral should not be stopped without consulting your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking the drug after long-term usage, you may experience life-threatening symptoms. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature. Store your medication in a safe place so that no one else can misuse it.
- After using Doral for a prolonged period, your insomnia symptoms could return.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Doral can be used as needed. You should skip missed doses if you have a regular dosing regimen. Never use two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Quazepam overdoses can be deadly if taken with alcohol, opioid medicines, or other drugs that cause drowsiness and slow breathing.
- The symptoms of an overdose may include confusion, extreme drowsiness, or coma.
Overdose symptoms include drowsiness or confusion, slurred or weak speech, shallow or slow breathing, or a coma.
What should be avoided?
Avoid drinking alcohol during or after Doral. You might still feel sleepy in the morning, even after taking this medication. Do not drive or operate machinery until you have fully woken up. You may have impaired reactions.
Interaction with other drug
Doral can have dangerous side effects, including death, when taken with drugs that cause sleepiness or breathing slowdown. Doral may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
