Discovering Quazepam Efficacy - Restoring the Rhythms of Sleep

Drug Overview

The drug Quazepam is a derivative of trifluoroethyl benzodiazepine. The drug was first approved in the United States in 1985. It is used as a hypnotic in treating insomnia or troubled sleeping. Benzodiazepines belong to the group of drugs called CNS (central nervous system) depressants. Insomnia is more common among females than males and in elderly individuals.

How Does the Drug Quazepam Work?

Quazepam belongs to the group benzodiazepines and works by enhancing the influence of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors which are inhibitory neurotransmitters of CNS.

Uses

• Nocturnal awakenings.

• Early morning awakenings.

• Trouble sleeping.

Doses:

Quazepam is available in oral tablets at a dose of 15 milligrams. The doctor usually prescribes the initial dose of 7.5 mg to manage mild to moderate sleep disorders.

For Patients

What Is Insomnia?

Insomnia is one of the common disorders of sleep characterized by trouble sleeping and nocturnal awakening.

Symptoms of Insomnia:

• Morning awakening.

• Depression.

• Anxiety.

• Lack of focus.

• Daytime sleepiness.

• Lethargy.

• Stress.

• Underlying mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder.

• Insomnia may occur due to ongoing medications like antidepressants (a few drugs may interfere with sleep).

• Underlying medical conditions like GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease), Parkinson's disease, overactive thyroid, and Alzheimer's disease.

• Excessive intake of caffeine products like coffee, tea, or other caffeinated drinks.

• Tobacco or other nicotine-containing products may also interfere with sleep.

Relationship of Insomnia with Aging

Insomnia or sleep disorder becomes very common with increasing age.

• Alteration in Sleep Pattern: With advancing age, the person gets tired more quickly, and changes in sleep patterns are observed. Sleeping early in the evening and waking up early in the morning are usually observed in elderly patients.

• Reduced Physical Activity: With increasing age, physical activities are also reduced, thereby interfering with deep sleeping at night.

• Underlying Health Issues: Underlying health issues among the elderly age group, such as pain due to arthritis, prostate or bladder problems, sleep apnea, and restlessness leg syndrome, are a few disorders that can result in disturbed sleep patterns among the elderly.

Insomnia in Pediatric Patients

Sleep troubles are also observed in children and teenagers. Children and teenagers may have different and poor sleep patterns as many resist going to bed on time and sleeping more in the morning.

Risk Factors of Insomnia

• Age (more common in the elderly age group above 60 years of age).

• Hormonal alterations in women are observed during the menstrual cycle or menopause.

• Stress (at the workplace and personal stress can result in sleep troubles).

• Different shifts at the workplace (alternate day or night shifts disturb the sleep cycle).

Complications of Insomnia

• Lack of focus at work.

• Decrease overall performance.

• Depression and lethargy.

• Daytime sleepiness.

Prevention of Insomnia

• Stay in an active lifestyle.

• Avoid too many caffeinated drinks.

• Avoid large meals before bedtime.

• If insomnia is becoming very regular, get it checked by the doctor to diagnose the underlying condition.

• Follow a regular sleep schedule.

Learn More About Quazepam

When and Why to Take Quazepam Medication?

The doctor usually prescribes quazepam medication for the management of sleep disorders after a thorough clinical diagnosis of the patient.

How Effective Is Quazepam Against Insomnia?

Based on the research, the drug Quazepam effectively manages chronic insomnia. Initially, the doctor only prescribes a low dose of a 7.5 mg tablet of Quazepam. Later the dose is gradually increased to 15 mg only if clinically indicated.

Things to Inform the Doctor Before They Prescribe Quazepam

• Inform the doctor of any allergy history to any drug or its composition.

• Breastfeeding mothers should inform the doctor about their health status.

• Inform the doctor if planning a pregnancy or if pregnant.

• Inform the doctor if any underlying systemic disorders, like hypertension, lung disorders, etc., are present.

• Inform the doctor about any previous surgery done.

• Inform the doctor if any medications (prescribed or non-prescribed) are ongoing.

Starting Quazepam Drug

How to Take Quazepam?

• The drug Quazepam is taken after food with water.

• If the doctor prescribes 7.5 mg of the drug, then split the tablets into two halves from the score point and consume the half tablet with water in the exact schedule as suggested by the doctor.

• The drug should be consumed at the exact dose and schedule the doctor prescribes.

• Patients are advised not to stop taking the drug abruptly without informing the doctor, as it can result in sudden withdrawal symptoms.

Things to Do After Starting Quazepam:

• Look for improvement in signs and symptoms of insomnia.

• In case any adverse effects are noticed, inform the doctor immediately.

• Update the doctor if symptoms are improved during the follow-up visit.

Look Out for the Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Lethargy.

• Drowsiness.

• Headache.

• Dizziness.

• Stomach upset.

• Dry mouth.

• Frequent headaches.

Serious Side Effects:

• Depression.

• Suicidal thoughts.

• Hallucinations.

• Agitation.

• Dependence.

• Seizures.

• Increased aggression.

Side Effects Observed on Sudden Withdrawal of the Drug Quazepam:

• Trouble sleeping.

• Abdominal cramps.

• Stomach ache.

• Behavioral changes.

• Flushing.

• Panic attacks.

• Anxiety.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Flushing.

• Lightheadedness.

• Uncontrolled crying.

• Nervousness.

Dietary Alterations

The drug Quazepam does not interact with any food products. Alcohol should be strictly avoided when under the drug Quazepam as it can increase drowsiness and over-depression of the central nervous system (CNS).

What Should Be Done If the Dose Is Missed?

• Avoid consuming the double dose of Quazepam if the regular dose is missed.

• Skip the missed dose and stick to the regular dosing schedule as the doctor prescribes.

What Should Be Done in Case of Overdose?

In case of a benzodiazepines overdose, inform the doctor immediately. The healthcare provider usually administers Flumazenil to reverse benzodiazepine overdose and other supportive measures.

Storage of Quazepam

• It should be stored at 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.

• Keep Quazepam away from the reach of pets and children.

• Discard the expired tablets.

• Quazepam should be stored in an air-tight container away from moisture.

Avoid Self-Prescription

The drug Quazepam is only available on prescription. It should be consumed at a scheduled time and doses as prescribed by the doctor after a thorough clinical examination of the patient.

Staying On Quazepam

• Take the exact dose as prescribed by the doctor.

• Avoid sudden discontinuation of the drug without informing the doctor.

• Inform the doctor immediately in case of any adverse events noted after starting the drug Quazepam.

• Inform the doctor in case of further worsening of the symptoms.

• Inform the doctor in case of an overdose or any missed dose.

For Doctors

Indications

• For the management of mild-to-moderate insomnia or sleep disorder.

• Frequent nocturnal awakenings.

• Early morning awakenings.

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action: All benzodiazepines, like Quazepam, enhance GABA receptors' effects. It has both anxiolytic and sedative effects.

Pharmacodynamics

Chemical Taxonomy

Kingdom: Organic compounds.

Superclass: Organic heterocyclic compounds.

Class: Benzodiazepines.

Subclass: 1,4- Benzodiazepines.

Direct Parent: 1,4- Benzodiazepines.

Ingredients

Active Ingredient: The only active ingredient is Quazepam.

Inactive Ingredients:

• Cellulose.

• Corn.

• Starch.

• Lactose.

• Magnesium stearate.

• Silicon dioxide.

• Sodium lauryl sulfate.

Doses and Forms

Quazepam is available in the oral tablet form at a dose of 15 milligrams.

The doctor's initial dose starts with a lower dose of 7.5 mg (breaking tablets into two halves from the score line). The drug dose is gradually increased to 15 mg only if clinically applicable and based on the severity of the symptoms.

Absorption: The half-life of absorption is around 30 minutes following oral administration.

Metabolism: The drug Quazepam undergoes hepatic metabolism. The steps in Quazepam metabolism are:

Quazepam

↓

2-Oxo Quazepam

↓

3-Hydroxy- 2 Oxo Quazepam

↓

Norflurazepam

Excretion: Around 31 percent of Quazepam drug is excreted through urine and 23 percent in feces.

Half-Life: The half-life of the drug is around 39 hours.

Protein Binding: The drug Quazepam is 95 percent bound to plasma proteins.

Toxicity

Overdose of benzodiazepines can result in different symptoms like:

• Drowsiness.

• Coma.

• Dysarthria (slurring of speech).

• Confusion.

• Ataxia (impaired balance or coordination).

• Depression.

• Agitation.

• Violent behavior.

Warning and Precautions

• Risk of CNS Depression: The drug Quazepam can result in impaired alertness. Quazepam may cause the risk of impaired motor coordination. Patients are advised not to drive and use heavy machinery when under Quazepam.

• Withdrawal Symptoms: Benzodiazepines should not be stopped abruptly as they can result in severe withdrawal symptoms in the patients. The drug should be stopped slowly by tapering into reduced doses to avoid the risk of withdrawal doses.

• Risk of Anaphylactic Reactions: The drug benzodiazepines can result in severe anaphylactic reactions, so caution should be taken while administering benzodiazepines. Angioedema is commonly seen in reactions with benzodiazepines.

• Worsening of Depression: Benzodiazepines can result in suicidal thoughts and worsening depression.

Drug Interactions

• When combined with the drug Abametapir, the serum concentration of Quazepam increases.

• The risk of the central nervous system (CNS) increases when the drug Quazepam is given in combination with Acetazolamide, Alimemazine, Almotriptan, Alosetron, Alprazolam, and Agomelatine.

• The risk of adverse effects increases when Quazepam is given with Alfentapil.

Drug Dependency and Addiction

Patients with a history of drug addiction and tolerance should be monitored when using Quazepam.

Contraindications

The drug Quazepam is contraindicated in the following conditions:

• Patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions.

• In patients with a history of sleep apnea disorder.

• In patients with chronic pulmonary insufficiency or underlying lung disorder.

• In known hypertensive patients.

Other Specifications:

• Quazepam in Pregnant and Lactating Women: The safety and efficacy of the drug benzodiazepines are not yet determined in pregnant women. Hypothermia, hypotonia, respiratory depression, and feeding difficulties are some adverse effects noticed after administration of the drug benzodiazepines during pregnancy, based on the research reports. The traces of the drug Quazepam are observed in breast milk, so the drug Quazepam should be avoided in lactating women.

• Quazepam in Pediatric Patients: The safety profile of the drug Quazepam has yet to be discovered for use in pediatric patients. Further research and clinical trials are yet needed to understand the safety profile of the drug Quazepam for pediatric patients.

• Quazepam in Geriatric Patients: Quazepam can result in over-depression of CNS and over-sedation in older adults. It is advised to start with a very low initial dose of 7.5 mg in elderly patients to avoid the risk of adverse reactions. The dose can be gradually increased to 15 mg only if clinically necessary.

What Are the Clinical Trials Done for Quazepam?

Different clinical trials are done for Quazepam, such as:

• A placebo-control clinical trial was performed for five nights of patients diagnosed with acute and chronic insomnia. The effectiveness of the drug Quazepam was studied in a sleep laboratory (polysomnography) which showed reduced sleep latency and total wake time. A significant increase in the total sleep time was observed in patients under Quazepam.

• Another seven-day double-blind control trial was done in the sleep laboratory in geriatric patients to compare the effects of both low dose (7.5 mg) and high dose (15 mg) of Quazepam with a placebo. Both doses of the drug were proven effective in increasing the percentage of sleep time.

• Another study was performed to check for withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines among thirty patients. The drug Quazepam was administered for a few nights and then was discontinued. No signs of "rebound insomnia" were observed in the patients after the sudden withdrawal of the drug. REM (rapid eye movement) remains unchanged.