Oxazepam

People with anxiety or alcohol withdrawal symptoms may benefit from taking oxazepam, a prescription medicine that can help relieve these conditions by enhancing the effects of a naturally calming brain chemical. Some of the specific effects that oxazepam and other benzodiazepine medications can have on the body include reducing anxiety, causing sleepiness, and impairing short-term memory. Oxazepam comes in capsule form and is generally taken three or four times daily.

 

What Is Oxazepam?

Oxazepam (Serax®) is a prescription medication approved to treat the following conditions:
 
(Click What Is Oxazepam Used For? for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Oxazepam?

Brand-name Serax is no longer being made. Currently, generic oxazepam is made by the following manufacturers:
 
  • Actavis Elizabeth
  • Ivax Pharmaceuticals
  • Sandoz Pharmaceuticals.
     

How Does Oxazepam Work?

Oxazepam is part of a group of medicines known as benzodiazepines.
 These drugs have a variety of different effects on the body, including:
 
  • Stopping seizures
  • Reducing anxiety
  • Causing sleepiness
  • Relaxing muscles
  • Impairing short-term memory.
     
All benzodiazepine medications can have each of these effects to some degree, depending on the specific medication and the dosage. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why oxazepam and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
 

When and How to Take Oxazepam

Some general considerations for when and how to take oxazepam include:
 
  • Oxazepam comes in capsule form. It is taken by mouth, usually three or four times daily.
     
  • Oxazepam can be taken with or without food. If oxazepam bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Oxazepam should be taken at the same times each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Oxazepam may cause serious problems if you take it at higher dosages or for a longer period of time than your healthcare provider recommends (see Oxazepam Addiction).
     

Dosing With Oxazepam

The dose of oxazepam that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As always, do not adjust your oxazepam dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Oxazepam Dosing for more information.)
 

Oxazepam Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with oxazepam. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of oxazepam include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • A spinning sensation (vertigo)
  • Headaches.
     
(Click Side Effects of Oxazepam to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Oxazepam Drug Interactions

Oxazepam can potentially interact with several other medicines (see Drug Interactions With Oxazepam).
 

Oxazepam: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking oxazepam if you have:
 
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Oxazepam to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Oxazepam?

People who take too much oxazepam may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Lethargy
  • Coordination problems
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Coma
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to overdose on oxazepam, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Oxazepam Overdose for more information.)
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Oxazepam?

If you do not take your oxazepam as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double your dose of oxazepam.
 

Oxazepam Strengths

Generic oxazepam capsules are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Oxazepam 10 mg
  • Oxazepam 15 mg
  • Oxazepam 30 mg.
     

Is There a Generic Version of Oxazepam?

Brand-name Serax is no longer being made. Fortunately, generic oxazepam is licensed for sale and is still being manufactured (see Generic Serax).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;