According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, at the time, an estimated 739,000 people had a benzodiazepine use disorder (addiction).1 Many of these individuals may have started off taking medications like Doral (quazepam) under the direct supervision of their doctors but may have eventually developed a dependence and addiction to their medications as a result of misuse. Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are commonly abused drugs in the United States, but they’re also the most commonly prescribed. Below is more on quazepam addiction, including why it happens and how to identify it.
What Is Doral (Quazepam) and How Does It Work?
Doral is the brand name for the prescription benzodiazepine quazepam. Quazepam is a benzo that’s used to treat sleep disorders or problems in people who struggle with falling asleep, continually waking up in the middle of the night, or having trouble staying asleep. Other slang names for Doral or quazepam include benzos, downers, nerve pills, and tranks.
This drug comes in the form of orange-colored tablets, with typical Doral doses starting at 7.5 mg and going up to 15 mg, if necessary. Like other benzodiazepines, it works by targeting the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which reduces nerve activity, including functions responsible for sleep. Because GABA produces relaxation and sedation, benzos are commonly used to treat individuals with conditions related to nerve excitation, such as seizure disorders and sleep disorders.
Doral is a longer-acting benzodiazepine, meaning it generally causes fewer short-term side effects than other benzos, but it remains in the body for longer periods. Quazepam’s longer-lasting side effects also mean it has a higher potential for abuse and dependence.
As a prescription medication, quazepam is given to the patient by their doctor according to certain factors, such as their weight, age, ailments, and others. This means that the same dose may be effective for one person but dangerous for another. Furthermore, misusing a prescription medication in any way, including taking higher doses than prescribed or using it without a prescription, can increase the risk of dangers like addiction and dependence.
Quazepam Side Effects
When a person takes quazepam, the drug binds to GABA receptors in the central nervous system, blocking communication between nerve cells to reduce excitation and relax certain functions. This is why benzos are often prescribed to help people who struggle with falling or staying asleep. Unfortunately, all medications come with risks and effects you should know about.
Common Doral side effects include:
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- Coma
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Extreme drowsiness
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Lack of coordination
- Sedation
- Slurred speech
- Upset stomach
- Weakness
While these side effects usually dissipate after a few days of use in patients who take the medication as directed, they’re likely to occur more intensely and frequently in individuals who misuse the drug. Additionally, if you’re taking Doral and experience adverse side effects, speak to your doctor right away about alternative medications or possible changes in dosage.
Signs of Doral Addiction
In addition to some undesirable side effects, Doral is also addictive, and long-term misuse can contribute to physical dependence and a drug use disorder. Prescription drug abuse isn’t always intentional at first. Many patients develop a tolerance to their medications (which is normal), but instead of continuing their treatment as directed, they begin increasing their doses without consulting their doctors.
As a result, their bodies become more and more accustomed to higher doses of the drug, which can lead to risky drug-taking behaviors. When physical dependence develops, an individual will experience uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit. These symptoms usually encourage further drug use to sustain comfort.
A person who abuses or is addicted to quazepam will display certain signs and symptoms, such as:
- Abrupt changes in appearance and behavior
- Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms when use is suddenly stopped or doses are cut down
- Deteriorating hygiene and physical appearance
- Faking or lying about symptoms to get more Doral
- Inability to control their use of Doral
- Isolating oneself from loved ones
- Needing larger amounts of Doral to sleep at night (developing a tolerance)
- Neglected responsibilities at home, school, and/or work
- Relationship problems
- Visiting several different doctors to get Doral prescriptions
- Wanting to top taking Doral but being unable to
Keep in mind that people who are receiving anxiety treatment or who have had previous problems with substance abuse may be at a higher risk for addiction if they’re taking Doral. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, our California detox center can help get the recovery process started.
Doral Addiction Treatment
Choosing a rehab for addiction treatment is an important decision for the individual struggling with drug or alcohol use. Our Southern California rehab offers various levels of addiction treatment in a continuum of care designed to guide patients through their recovery at their pace. From residential programming to a partial-hospitalization program (PHP) for active duty and veterans, our facility offers care to individuals of all backgrounds.
For more information about our prescription drug addiction treatment or other Palm Springs drug rehab programs, call Banyan Treatment Centers today at 888-280-4763.
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