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. The drug can affect the body by 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, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Are There 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 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.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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