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| Generic Name: | oxazepam |
| Pronounced: | ox A zeh pam |
| Brand Name: | Serax |
What is the most important information I should know about oxazepam? |
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 | Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Oxazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness
or dizziness, avoid these activities. |
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 | Avoid alcohol while taking oxazepam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness
caused by oxazepam. |
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 | Oxazepam is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent
on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer
than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if oxazepam is stopped suddenly after
several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose. |
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What is oxazepam? |
| Oxazepam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Oxazepam affects chemicals in the
brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety and withdrawal symptoms. |
| Oxazepam is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety
disorders and to reduce the symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. |
| Oxazepam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oxazepam? |
 | Do not take oxazepam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Oxazepam may worsen this
condition. |
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| Before taking oxazepam, tell your doctor if you |
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have kidney disease;
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have liver disease;
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have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another
respiratory disease; or
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are depressed or have suicidal thoughts.
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| You may not be able to take oxazepam, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. |
 | Oxazepam is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that oxazepam is known to
be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. |
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 | It is not known whether oxazepam passes into breast milk. Do not take oxazepam
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
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| If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from
oxazepam. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication. |
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How should I take oxazepam? |
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| Take oxazepam exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. |
 | Take each dose with a full glass of water. |
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| Do not take more than is prescribed for you. |
| Oxazepam is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent
on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer
than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if oxazepam is stopped suddenly after
several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose. |
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| Your doctor may want you to have medical evaluations during treatment with oxazepam to
monitor progress and side effects. |
 | Store oxazepam at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
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What happens if I miss a dose? |
| Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could be dangerous. |
What happens if I overdose? |
 | Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. |
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| Symptoms of an oxazepam overdose include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, a slow heart
beat, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking and talking, an appearance of being drunk, and
unconsciousness. |
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What should I avoid while taking oxazepam? |
| Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Oxazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness
or dizziness, avoid these activities. |
|
| Avoid alcohol while taking oxazepam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness
caused by oxazepam. |
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| Oxazepam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety
medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you
are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor. |
What are the possible side effects of oxazepam? |
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| If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking oxazepam and
seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately: |
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
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sores in the mouth or throat;
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yellowing of the skin or eyes;
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a rash;
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hallucinations or severe confusion; or
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changes in vision.
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| Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take oxazepam and talk to your doctor if you experience |
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drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness;
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depression;
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nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;
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difficulty urinating;
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vivid dreams;
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headache;
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dry mouth;
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decreased sex drive; or
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changes in behavior.
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| 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. |
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What other drugs will affect oxazepam? |
| Oxazepam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety
medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you
are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor. |
| Antacids may decrease the effects of oxazepam. Separate doses of an antacid and oxazepam
by several hours whenever possible. |
| Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with oxazepam. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins,
minerals, and herbal products. |
Where can I get more information? |
| Your pharmacist has additional information about oxazepam written for health professionals
that you may read. |
What does my medication look like? |
| Oxazepam is available with a prescription under the brand name Serax. Other brand or
generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this
medication, especially if it is new to you. |
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Serax 10 mg--white/pink capsules
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Serax 15 mg--white/red capsules
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Serax 15 mg--five-sided, yellow tablets with a raised "S"
on one side
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Serax 30 mg--white/maroon capsules
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| Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. |
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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner
Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee
is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time
sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare
practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does
not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless
specifically indicated otherwise.
Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource
designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their
patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to,
and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of
healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug
combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug
combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum
does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered
with the aid of information Multum provides.
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses,
directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions,
or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking,
check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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