Indications
Oxazepam is a benzodiazepine medicine used for the short-term relief of severe anxiety, including anxiety with tension, restlessness or difficulty sleeping, and anxiety linked with depression. It is also used to help manage symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as shaking, agitation and anxiety. Because of the risk of dependence, it is usually prescribed for no more than 2 to 4 weeks.
How It Works
Oxazepam increases the effect of GABA, the brain’s main calming chemical messenger. This reduces over-activity in the nerve cells that cause anxiety and agitation, producing a calming and mildly sleep-inducing effect. It acts for a fairly short time and is not changed into other active substances by the liver, which can make it more suitable for older people and those with liver problems.
Dosage and Administration
Take exactly as prescribed. The doctor will choose the lowest dose that works, usually divided over the day, with lower doses for older or frail people. Do not increase the dose or take it for longer than advised. After regular use, do not stop suddenly; the doctor will reduce the dose gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Interactions
Do not drink alcohol. Combining Oxazepam with opioids (such as Tramadol, Codeine or Morphine) can cause dangerous drowsiness, slowed breathing, coma or death. Other sedatives, sleeping pills, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (such as Chlorpheniramine), antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiepileptics such as Phenobarbital, and muscle relaxants increase drowsiness. Probenecid may increase its effect.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Oxazepam or other benzodiazepines.
- Severe breathing problems or severe chronic lung disease.
- Sleep apnoea (pauses in breathing during sleep).
- Myasthenia gravis (a muscle-weakness disease).
- Severe liver failure.
- Acute narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Use as the only treatment for depression or psychosis.
Side Effects
Common effects include drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness, unsteadiness, slowed reactions, muscle weakness, headache and reduced alertness. Memory problems, confusion and falls are more likely in older people. Some people react unexpectedly with restlessness, aggression or agitation. Dependence and withdrawal symptoms can develop with regular use.
Get urgent medical help if breathing becomes slow or shallow, if the person is very hard to wake, has blue lips, shows thoughts of self-harm or severe mood changes, or has swelling of the face and difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Avoid during pregnancy unless a doctor decides it is essential. Use in late pregnancy or during labour may cause floppiness, low temperature, breathing problems and withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. It passes into breast milk and may make the baby sleepy; it is generally not recommended during breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy. Use with caution in older people, people with lung, kidney or liver disease, and those with a history of alcohol or drug misuse. Keep the medicine safe from others; it can be misused. Tell your doctor if anxiety returns or if you feel low.
Overdose
Overdose causes deep drowsiness, confusion, poor coordination, slurred speech, low blood pressure and slowed breathing, which is more dangerous if alcohol or opioids were also taken. This is an emergency: call for help and go to a hospital at once.
Therapeutic Class
Benzodiazepine anxiolytic (anti-anxiety medicine).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep it in a secure place.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.