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Serax, |oxazepam

oxazepam

Generic Name: oxazepam (ox A ze pam)
Brand Names: Serax

What is oxazepam?

Oxazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Oxazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

Oxazepam is used to treat anxiety disorders or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Oxazepam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about oxazepam?

Before taking oxazepam, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, porphyria, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by oxazepam.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oxazepam?

Before taking oxazepam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• glaucoma;

• asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;

• kidney or liver disease;

• a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or

• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use oxazepam, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

How should I take oxazepam?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Your symptoms may return when you stop using oxazepam after using it over a long period of time. You may also have seizures or withdrawal symptoms when you stop using oxazepam. Withdrawal symptoms may include tremor, sweating, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, and seizure (convulsions).

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Benzodiazepines are drugs of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of an oxazepam overdose may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, weakness or tired feeling, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, feeling light-headed, fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking oxazepam?

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can increase some of the side effects of oxazepam.

Oxazepam side effects

• confusion;

• unusual risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;

• hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;

• hallucinations;

• feeling lightheaded, fainting;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• problems with urination.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• drowsiness, dizziness;

• amnesia or forgetfulness, trouble concentrating;

• slurred speech;

• swelling;

• headache;

• skin rash;

• nausea, vomiting, constipation;

• irregular menstrual periods; or

• loss of interest in sex.

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.

What other drugs will affect oxazepam?

Before taking oxazepam, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);

• an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);

• medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), mesoridazine (Serentil), pimozide (Orap), or thioridazine (Mellaril);

• narcotic medications such as butorphanol (Stadol), codeine, hydrocodone (Loratab, Vicodin), levorphanol (Levo-Dromoran), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph), naloxone (Narcan), oxycodone (OxyContin), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet); or

• antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), amoxapine (Ascendin), citalopram (Celexa), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), protriptyline (Vivactil), sertraline (Zoloft), or trimipramine (Surmontil).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use oxazepam, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect oxazepam. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has 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.

• Serax 10 mg--white/pink capsules

• Serax 15 mg--white/red capsules

• Serax 15 mg--five-sided, yellow tablets with a raised "S" on one side

• Serax 30 mg--white/maroon capsules

• 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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