Oxazepam (patient information)

Why is this medication prescribed

Oxazepam is used to relieve anxiety. It also is used to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used

Oxazepam comes as a tablet and capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken three or four times a day and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take oxazepam exactly as directed.

Oxazepam can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer time than your doctor tells you to. Tolerance may develop with long-term or excessive use, making the drug less effective. This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. Do not skip doses even if you feel that you do not need them. Do not take oxazepam for more than 4 months or stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. Stopping the drug suddenly can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms (anxiousness, sleeplessness, and irritability). Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually.

Other uses for this medicine

Oxazepam is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

What special precautions should I follow

Before taking oxazepam

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to oxazepam, alprazolam (Xanax); chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax), clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), estazolam (ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), prazepam (Centrax), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), tartrazine (a yellow dye in some oxazepam tablets), aspirin, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antihistamines; digoxin (Lanoxin); levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet); medication for depression, seizures, Parkinson's disease, pain, asthma, colds, or allergies; muscle relaxants; oral contraceptives; phenytoin (Dilantin); probenecid (Benemid); rifampin (Rifadine); sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline (Theo-Dur); tranquilizers; and vitamins. These medications may add to the drowsiness caused by oxazepam.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma or seizures, or lung, heart, or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking oxazepam, call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking oxazepam.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

What should I do if I forget a dose

If you take several doses per day and miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects

Mild side effects

Side effects from oxazepam may occur and include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• tiredness
• weakness
• dry mouth
• diarrhea
• upset stomach
• changes in appetite

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• restlessness or excitement
• constipation
• difficulty urinating
• frequent urination
• blurred vision
• changes in sex drive or ability

Severe side effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• shuffling walk
• persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still
• fever
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• severe skin rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• irregular heartbeat

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication.

Brand names

• Serax®