Oxazepam (
Serax®) is a prescription medication approved to treat the following conditions:
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 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 you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Oxazepam?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug 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.
How Does It 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:
- The medication comes in capsule form. It is taken by mouth, usually three or four times daily.
- Oxazepam can be taken with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- The medication should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level 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 than your healthcare provider recommends (see Oxazepam Addiction).
The dose of oxazepam 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 dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
What If I Take an Overdose?
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 take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take 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 take a double dose.
Brand-name
Serax is no longer being made. Currently, generic oxazepam is made by the following manufacturers:
- Actavis Elizabeth
- Ivax Pharmaceuticals
- Sandoz Pharmaceuticals.
Is There a Generic Version?
Brand-name Serax is no longer being made. Fortunately, generic oxazepam is licensed for sale and is still being manufactured.
Strengths of Oxazepam
Generic oxazepam capsules are available in the following strengths:
- Oxazepam 10 mg
- Oxazepam 15 mg
- Oxazepam 30 mg.
