What Is Doral (Quazepam)? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Doral is the brand name for quazepam, a prescription sleep medication that has been FDA-approved since 1985. If you've been prescribed Doral — or are curious about it — this guide gives you a complete overview of what it is, what it treats, how it's taken, and what to watch out for.

What Is Doral (Quazepam)?

Quazepam (brand name: Doral) is a member of the benzodiazepine drug class — specifically a 1,4-benzodiazepine derivative. It was developed by the Schering Corporation in the 1970s, patented in 1970, and approved for medical use in the United States in December 1985.

Quazepam works by enhancing the effects of GABA, a naturally calming brain chemical, which slows down brain activity and promotes sleep. It is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance under federal law, meaning it has accepted medical uses but carries risk of abuse and dependence.

What Is Doral Used For?

Doral (quazepam) has one FDA-approved indication:

• Insomnia — specifically insomnia characterized by:
  • Difficulty falling asleep (sleep-onset insomnia)
  • Frequent awakenings during the night (sleep-maintenance insomnia)
  • Early morning awakenings (terminal insomnia)

Unlike some sleep aids that only treat one type of sleep problem, quazepam addresses all three. Clinical studies have shown that quazepam significantly decreases sleep latency (time to fall asleep), reduces nighttime awakenings, and increases total sleep time.

Quazepam has also been used off-label for acute situational anxiety with sleep disruption and severe circadian rhythm disturbances (such as extreme shift-work or jet lag cases), though these are not FDA-approved uses.

What Form Does Doral Come In?

Quazepam is available as:

• 15 mg scored tablets — light orange, capsule-shaped, functionally scored so they can be split into 7.5 mg halves

The 7.5 mg strength was previously available as a separate product but has been discontinued. Splitting a 15 mg tablet is the current method for achieving a 7.5 mg dose.

Doral Dosage: How Much and How Often?

Dosing should always be individualized by your prescriber. Standard dosing guidance:

• Standard adult dose: 15 mg taken orally at bedtime
• Lower adult dose: 7.5 mg (half tablet) — often effective and preferred to reduce next-day drowsiness
• Elderly patients: Start at 7.5 mg — elderly patients metabolize quazepam more slowly and are at higher risk of falls, cognitive impairment, and excessive sedation
• When to take it: Take quazepam only at bedtime, immediately before going to sleep. Plan to be in bed for at least 8 hours after taking it.
• Duration of treatment: Typically 7-10 days for acute insomnia. Prolonged use is generally not recommended. If insomnia persists beyond 2-3 weeks, re-evaluation is advised.

Who Should NOT Take Doral?

Doral is contraindicated in patients who:

• Have known hypersensitivity (allergy) to quazepam or other benzodiazepines
• Have established or suspected sleep apnea (it can worsen breathing during sleep)
• Have pulmonary insufficiency (impaired lung function)

Use with caution in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding (quazepam and metabolites are present in breast milk), who have liver disease, or who have a history of substance use disorders.

Is Doral Still Available in 2026?

The brand name Doral tablet has been discontinued by its manufacturer as of late 2025. Generic quazepam 15 mg is still available but primarily through specialty pharmacies. For a full explanation of availability challenges, see why Doral is so hard to find in 2026.

Key Facts About Doral (Quazepam) at a Glance

• Generic name: Quazepam
• Drug class: Benzodiazepine hypnotic
• FDA approval: December 27, 1985
• DEA Schedule: Schedule IV controlled substance
• Available strengths: 15 mg scored tablet (can be split to 7.5 mg)
• Half-life: ~40 hours (parent); active metabolites persist up to 120 hours
• Cash price: ~$600–$900 for 30 tablets without insurance; discount cards can reduce this to ~$655+

If you're having trouble finding quazepam at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can search local pharmacies on your behalf to find which ones can fill your prescription.