Oxazepam: Drug Information

Brand name: Serax

Uses of Oxazepam:

Oxazepam is an anti-anxiety drug that is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. It is also used to treat anxiety associated with depression and has proved beneficial in treating tension, agitation ad irritability. In addition to this, Oxazepam is also used for treating acute alcoholism.

Dosage:

Oxazepam is available in the form of capsules and must be taken orally with or without food. It is essential for you to take the medication as prescribed by your physician at regular intervals everyday. You must also not stop taking the medication abruptly without the consent of your doctor as it may worsen some of the symptoms of the disorder you are being treated for.

Warning and Precautions:

Do not take Oxazepam if you are hypersensitive to it.

This medicine is not meant to be given to children below the age of 6 years.

Oxazepam should not be given to patients with acute pulmonary insufficiency and psychoses.

Safety of this drug has not been established in pregnancy and must not be taken if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Caution and regular monitoring is advised when administering the medicine to patients with myasthenia gravis, acute narrow angle glaucoma and liver disease.

Talk to your doctor if you are lactating before taking Oxazepam.

Drug Interactions:

Oxazepam is known to prolong the half life of chlordiazepoxide and diazepam. It should not be taken with central nervous system (CNS) depressants including general anesthetics, narcotic analgesics, mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants.

Side Effects of Oxazepam:

Some of the most common side effects of the medication include hepatic damage, weight changes, drowsiness, nausea, fatigue, constipation, confused mental state, insomnia, vertigo, ataxia, leucopoenia, diplopia, euphoria, irritability, skin rash, transient excitement, sexual dysfunctions, hypotension and arthritis.

Overdose of Oxazepam :

Oxazepam overdose symptoms include central nervous system depression, lethargy, confusion, drowsiness, hypotension, hypnotic state, ataxia and coma. In case of an overdose of the medication, you must report to your doctor at the earliest or contact your local poison control center.