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- What is oxazepam-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- Is oxazepam-oral available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for oxazepam-oral?
- What are the uses for oxazepam-oral?
- What are the side effects of oxazepam-oral?
- What is the dosage for oxazepam-oral?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with oxazepam-oral?
- Is oxazepam-oral safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about oxazepam-oral?
What is oxazepam-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- Oxazepam (Serax, Zaxopam) is a member of a class of anti-anxiety medications called benzodiazepines. Other members of the benzodiazepine class include alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clobazam (Onfi), diazepam (Valium), estazolam (Prosom), flurazepam (Dalmane), midazolam (Versed), lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam (Restoril), and triazolam (Halcion). It helps relieve anxiety by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter (a chemical that nerve cells use to communicate with each other) that inhibits activity in the brain. It is thought that excessive activity of nerves in the brain may be the cause of anxiety and other psychological disorders. Benzodiazepines such as oxazepam help to relieve anxiety by increasing the effects of GABA in the brain and spinal cord.
- Oxazepam was approved by the FDA in June, 1965.
What are the uses for oxazepam-oral?
Oxazepam is used to treat anxiety and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
What are the side effects of oxazepam-oral?
The most common side effects associated with oxazepam treatment are
Other side effects include
- a feeling of depression,
- loss of orientation,
- headache,
- sleep disturbance,
- confusion,
- irritability,
- aggression,
- decreased libido,
- excitement, and
- memory impairment.
What is the dosage for oxazepam-oral?
The recommended dose of oxazepam is 10-30 mg by mouth 3-4 times daily as needed.
Which drugs or supplements interact with oxazepam-oral?
Excessive sedation can occur when oxazepam is combined with certain other medications or substances that slow the brain's processes. Medications that should be avoided include sleeping aids, certain pain medications (narcotics), barbiturates, and alcohol.
Is oxazepam-oral safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Use during pregnancy may cause harm to the fetus and should be avoided.
- Oxazepam may be secreted in human milk. It should not be used during breastfeeding.
What else should I know about oxazepam-oral?
What preparations of oxazepam-oral are available?
- Oral capsules: 10 mg, 15 mg, and 30 mg.
- Tablet: 15 mg
How should I keep oxazepam-oral stored?
Oxazepam capsules and tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 15 C to 30 C (59 F and 86 F).
Summary
Oxazepam (Serax, Zaxopam) is a prescription drug used to treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, and anxiety. Some side effects of Serax may include
Drug interactions, warnings and precautions, dosage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information are provided.
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Top oxazepam-oral Related Articles
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as losing a job or getting into trouble with the law. It can cause myriad health problems, including cirrhosis of the liver, birth defects, heart disease, stroke, psychological problems, and dementia. Counseling and a few medications can be effective for alcoholism treatment.Alcohol Abuse Slides
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Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by symptoms such as trouble concentrating, headaches, sleep problems, and irritability. Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses that affect approximately 19 million American adults. Treatment for anxiety may incorporate medications and psychotherapy.Anxiolytics for Anxiety Drug Class
Anxiolytics (anti-anxiety, anti-panic) is a group of drug classes (for example, antidepressants, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines) that are prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Anxiolytics work (mechanism of action) depending upon to which drug class it belongs. Anxiety disorder drugs cause similar side effects, for example:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Constipation
- Weight gain
More serious side effects of anti-anxiety drugs include:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Dry mouth
- Elevated blood pressure
- Blurred vision
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Low blood pressure when standing (orthostatic hypotension)
Some natural herbal products and supplements like St. John's wort, ginkgo biloba, valerian, lemon balm, and chamomile may be helpful in reducing anxiety. Talk with your doctor about taking herbal or other supplement products.
Anxiolytics have several drug interactions. This type of drug is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
benzodiazepines (sleep-inducing)-oral
Benzodiazepine is the name of a class of drugs in the US. They belong to a class of man-made drugs prescribed to treat:
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Panic attacks
- Seizures
- Muscle spasms
- Insomnia
Here is a list of examples of brand and generic names of benzodiazepines available in the US.
- alprazolam (Xanax)
- clobazam (Onfi)
- clonazepam (Klonopin)
- clorazepate (Tranxene)
- chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- diazepam (Valium)
- estazolam (Prosom)
- lorazepam (Ativan)
- oxazepam (Serax)
- temazepam (Restoril)
- triazolam (Halcion)
These drugs are habit forming and patients may become addicted to them even at prescribed doses. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
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Peripheral neuropathy is a problem with the functioning of the nerves outside of the spinal cord. Symptoms may include numbness, weakness, burning pain (especially at night), and loss of reflexes. Possible causes may include carpel tunnel syndrome, shingles, vitamin or nutritional deficiencies, and illnesses like diabetes, syphilis, AIDS, and kidney failure. Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed with exams and tests. Treatment for the condition depends on the cause. Usually, the prognosis for peripheral neuropathy is good if the cause can be successfully treated or prevented.
