Drug Database - Oxazepam

Generic Name: oxazepam (ox-A-ze-pam)

Brand Names: Serax®

Classification: Benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens)

Issue Date: 1977

Oxazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Oxazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety. Oxazepam is used to treat anxiety disorders or alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It is also used in the treatment of Fibromyalgia.

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®)
• lorazepam (Ativan®)

This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use oxazepam if you are pregnant. Before taking oxazepam, tell your doctor if you have any:

• breathing problems
• glaucoma
• porphyria
• kidney or liver disease
• a history of depression, suicidal thoughts
• addiction to drugs or alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while taking oxazepam. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by oxazepam.

Oxazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Oxazepam should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Oxazepam should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medication for longer than 4 months without your doctor's advice.

Oxazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Oxazepam should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Contact your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your symptoms.

Do not stop using oxazepam suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Your symptoms may return when you stop using oxazepam after using it over a long period of time. You may also have seizures or withdrawal symptoms when you stop using oxazepam. Withdrawal symptoms may include:

• tremor
• sweating
• trouble sleeping
• muscle cramps
• stomach pain
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• confusion
• unusual thoughts or behavior
• seizure (convulsions)

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

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®)
• 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 disease
• liver disease
• history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior
• history of drug or alcohol addiction

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use oxazepam, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

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.

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.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

• skin rash or hives
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Stop using phenelzine and 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)
• problems with urination

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• drowsiness, dizziness
• amnesia or forgetfulness, trouble concentrating
• slurred speech
• swelling
• headache
• skin rash
• nausea, vomiting, constipation
• irregular menstrual periods
• loss of interest in sex

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Before taking oxazepam, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• amobarbital (Amytal®)
• butabarbital (Butisol®)
• mephobarbital (Mebaral®)
• secobarbital (Seconal®)
• phenobarbital (Luminal®, Solfoton®)
• isocarboxazid (Marplan®)
• phenelzine (Nardil®)
• rasagiline (Azilect®)
• selegiline (Eldepryl®, Emsam®)
• tranylcypromine (Parnate)
• chlorpromazine (Thorazine®)
• haloperidol (Haldol®)
• mesoridazine (Serentil®)
• pimozide (Orap®)
• thioridazine (Mellaril®)
• butorphanol (Stadol®)
• codeine
• hydrocodone (Loratab®, Vicodin®)
• levorphanol (Levo-Dromoran®)
• meperidine (Demerol®)
• methadone (Dolophine®, Methadose®)
• morphine (Kadian®, MS Contin®, Oramorph®)
• naloxone (Narcan®)
• oxycodone (OxyContin®)
• propoxyphene (Darvon®, Darvocet®)
• amitriptyline (Elavil®, Etrafon®)
• amoxapine (Ascendin®)
• citalopram (Celexa®)
• clomipramine (Anafranil®)
• desipramine (Norpramin®)
• doxepin (Sinequan®)
• escitalopram (Lexapro®)
• fluoxetine (Prozac®, Sarafem®)
• fluvoxamine (Luvox®)
• imipramine (Janimine®, Tofranil®)
• nortriptyline (Pamelor®)
• paroxetine (Paxil®)
• protriptyline (Vivactil®)
• sertraline (Zoloft®)
• trimipramine (Surmontil®)

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use oxazepam, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect oxazepam. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.