What is the drug oxazepam used for?

Oxazepam is used to relieve anxiety, including anxiety caused by alcohol withdrawal (symptoms that may develop in people who stop drinking alcohol after drinking large amounts for a long time). Oxazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines.

How much oxazepam can you take?

Most patients need a dose of 15-25 mg but some patients may need up to 50 mg. The dose should be taken one hour before retiring. The recommended dosage is 10-20 mg three or four times daily. Oxazepam is not recommended for the treatment of anxiety or insomnia in children.

How long does it take for oxazepam to start working?

Oxazepam has a slower onset of action (30-60 minutes) than some other benzodiazepines (such as diazepam). Peak effects are reached in two to three hours and the effects usually wear off within six to eight hours which means oxazepam typically needs to be taken three to four times a day when used for anxiety.

Is oxazepam a sleeping pill?

Serax (oxazepam) is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders or alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Serax may also be used for sleep (insomnia). Serax is available in generic form.

Who should not take oxazepam?

Those with a history of psychosis should not be prescribed oxazepam. 3 Likewise, the medication should be avoided in anyone with a history of addictive behavior. An exception, of course, is when the medication is used for alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Does oxazepam affect the liver?

Oxazepam, like other benzodiazepines, is rarely associated with serum ALT elevations, and clinically apparent liver injury from oxazepam is extremely rare, if it occurs at all. There have been no case reports of symptomatic, acute liver injury from oxazepam.

How does oxazepam work on the brain?

Oxazepam works by affecting the way certain substances in your brain (called neurotransmitters) pass messages to your brain cells. It has a calming effect on your brain. The calming effect is helpful in people who have symptoms caused by anxiety, such as difficulties sleeping.

How long should you take oxazepam for?

Oxazepam is prescribed for the short term (maximum of 2-4 weeks) treatment of anxiety, which is disabling or distressing and may be associated with sleeplessness or other illnesses. This medicine should be used for as short a time as possible and should not be used for more than four weeks.

Does oxazepam make you feel high?

An oxazepam high can cause effects like disorientation, slurred speech, sleepiness and a lack of coordination. Repeated use of oxazepam can result in an increase in side effects.

Can you take oxazepam at night?

If you are taking oxazepam because you are having difficulty sleeping, you may be prescribed a dose to take at bedtime only. The course of treatment prescribed will be as short as possible. Try to take your doses of oxazepam at the same times of day each day, as this will help you to remember to take them.

How long does oxazepam stay in your body?

Peak blood levels of Serax are usually seen around three hours after someone takes the drug. The mean half-life for oxazepam is just over eight hours. The range for the Serax and oxazepam half-life is anywhere from four to 15 hours.

Does oxazepam affect blood pressure?

Hypotension (low blood pressure) or. Lung or breathing problems (eg, respiratory depression) or. Mental health problems, or history of—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

How to report side effects of oxazepam in Canada?

You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Before taking oxazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other benzodiazepines (such as diazepam, temazepam ); or if you have any other allergies.

How is oxazepam used in the treatment of anxiety?

Oxazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). Oxazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety. Oxazepam is used to treat anxiety disorders or alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Oxazepam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the side effects of oxazepam capsules?

Oxazepam capsules, USP are indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic. Anxiety associated with depression is also responsive to Oxazepam therapy.

What is the chemical formula for oxazepam Serax?

Serax (oxazepam) is 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodi-azepin-2-one. A white crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 286.7, its structural formula is as follows: Oxazepam is the first of a chemical series of compounds known as the 3-hydroxybenzodiazepinones.