Quazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing.
MISUSE OF  quazepam CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
Do not drink alcohol while taking quazepam or for several days after you stop taking this medicine.
Do not stop using quazepam suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that may last for several weeks to more than 12 months. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use quazepam if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
a chronic breathing disorder;
sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep); or
an allergy to sleep medicine or to other benzodiazepines (such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, Ativan, Valium, Tranxene, Versed, Xanax, and others).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
breathing problems;
depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts;
alcoholism or drug addiction; or
liver or kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you use quazepam while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks.
You should not breastfeed while using quazepam.
Quazepam is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take quazepam?
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use quazepam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of  quazepam.
Never share quazepam with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
When you first start taking quazepam, you may need to cut the tablet in half to get the correct dose. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions carefully.
Take this medicine only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.
Call your doctor if your insomnia does not improve after taking quazepam for 7 to 10 nights, or if you have any mood or behavior changes. Insomnia can be a symptom of depression, mental illness, or certain medical conditions.
Do not take quazepam for longer than 10 nights in a row, unless your doctor has told you to. The first few nights after you stop taking quazepam, your insomnia symptoms may return and could be worse than before. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Do not stop using quazepam suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as problems with memory or concentration, muscle twitching, burning or prickly feeling, sudden changes in mood or behavior, hallucinations, or thoughts of suicide or hurting others). Some withdrawal symptoms may last for several weeks to more than 12 months. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since quazepam is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Take quazepam only when you have time for several hours of sleep. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, or coma.
