Quazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Quazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems (insomnia).

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

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

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.

Take quazepam only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.

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).

This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby, or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Do not use quazepam if you are pregnant.

Before taking quazepam, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

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.

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.

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.