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Doral
Doral is a prescription medicine commonly used to treat insomnia. By enhancing the effects of a naturally calming brain chemical, the drug can help relax muscles and cause sleepiness. Doral comes in tablet form and is generally taken once a day at bedtime. Commonly reported side effects include headache, fatigue, dizziness, and daytime drowsiness.
What Is Doral?
Doral® (quazepam) is a prescription sleep medication approved for the treatment of insomnia. It is generally recommended for short-term use, although occasional long-term use may be appropriate.
(Click Doral Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
Who Makes It?
Doral is currently made by Questcor Pharmaceuticals.
How Does Doral Work?
Doral is part of a group of medications known as benzodiazepines (sometimes called "benzos" for short). Benzodiazepines have a variety of different effects on the body, including:
All benzodiazepines can have these effects to some degree, depending on the specific medication and the dose. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why Doral and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
When and How to Take It
General considerations for when and how to take Doral include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth at bedtime.
- Doral can be taken with or without food. If the drug bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Doral may cause serious problems if you take it at higher dosages or for a longer period of time than your healthcare provider recommends (see Doral Abuse).
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD