Quazepam Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 6, 2024.

Applies to quazepam: oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet)

Warning: Risks From Concomitant Use With Opioids; Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction; and Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions. Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.

Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required.

Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.The use of benzodiazepines, including quazepam, exposes users to risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death.

Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes.

Before prescribing quazepam and throughout treatment, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.The continued use of benzodiazepines, including quazepam, may lead to clinically significant physical dependence.

The risks of dependence and withdrawal increase with longer treatment duration and higher daily dose.

Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of quazepam after continued use may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening.

To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue quazepam or reduce the dosage

Serious side effects of quazepam

Along with its needed effects, quazepam may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking quazepam:

More common side effects

• drowsiness

Less common side effects

• dizziness

Rare side effects

• anxiety
• dry mouth
• hyperventilation
• increased muscle spasm
• irregular heartbeats
• irritability
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
• nightmares
• restlessness
• shaking
• trouble breathing
• unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability

Incidence not known

• changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
• chills
• clay-colored stools
• dark urine
• decrease in frequency of urination
• decrease in urine volume
• difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
• fever
• headache
• inability to move the eyes
• increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid
• itching or rash
• loss of appetite
• loss of bladder control
• nausea
• painful urination
• seizures
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• slurred speech
• sticking out of the tongue
• stomach pain
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• trouble in speaking or swallowing
• uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs
• unpleasant breath odor
• unusual facial expressions
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting of blood
• yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking quazepam:

Symptoms of overdose

• agitation
• change in consciousness
• changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
• confusion
• loss of consciousness
• loss of strength or energy
• mood or mental changes
• nightmares
• shakiness and unsteady walk
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• slurred speech
• talkativeness
• trouble speaking
• unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
• unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
• unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability
• unusual weak feeling

Other side effects of quazepam

Some side effects of quazepam may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• heartburn
• indigestion
• stomach discomfort or upset

Incidence not known

• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• inability to have or keep an erection
• increase in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• increased interest in sexual intercourse
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• menstrual changes
• sweating
• vomiting

For healthcare professionals

Applies to quazepam: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported side effects included daytime drowsiness, headache, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, and dyspepsia.

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Daytime drowsiness (up to 12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, fatigue, headache
• Frequency not reported: Central nervous system effects, next-day impairment^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth, dyspepsia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Abnormal thinking, behavior changes, benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, complex behaviors, worsening of depression

Further information

Quazepam side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer