Generic Name: Oxazepam
Brand Names: Serax
This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist
Common Uses:
Oxazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Oxazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety. Oxazepam is used to treat anxiety disorders or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oxazepam?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to oxazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), or lorazepam (Ativan).
Before taking oxazepam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- glaucoma;
- asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;
- kidney or liver disease;
- a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
- a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.
Oxazepam can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use oxazepam without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. Oxazepam may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. The sedative effects of oxazepam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking oxazepam.
Oxazepam side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- confusion;
- unusual risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;
- hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;
- hallucinations;
- feeling lightheaded, fainting;
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- problems with urination.
Less serious side effects may include:
- drowsiness, dizziness;
- amnesia or forgetfulness, trouble concentrating;
- slurred speech;
- swelling;
- headache;
- skin rash;
- nausea, vomiting, constipation;
- irregular menstrual periods; or
- loss of interest in sex.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of oxazepam can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, weakness or tired feeling, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, feeling light-headed, fainting, or coma.
Storage
Store Oxazepam at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
All information given above is a summary. You must visit your doctor, pharmacies or health care provider can provide more information about this medicine. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store medication with end term of storage.