What is oxazepam used for?

Oxazepam is used to manage anxiety disorders, provide short-term anxiety relief, and help with tension, agitation, or irritability.

Can I take oxazepam if I am pregnant?

Using oxazepam late in pregnancy may lead to sedation or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. You should discuss the risks with your doctor.

Is it safe to breastfeed while taking oxazepam?

Oxazepam can pass into breast milk and may cause sedation or poor weight gain in your baby.

What happens if I mix oxazepam with opioids?

Mixing oxazepam and opioids can cause severe breathing problems, coma, and death.

Can I stop taking oxazepam suddenly?

No, you should not stop suddenly. To avoid withdrawal reactions, your doctor will help you reduce your dose gradually.

What are the common side effects of oxazepam?

Common side effects include mild drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and vertigo.

Can oxazepam be addictive?

Yes, oxazepam carries a risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction, even when taken exactly as prescribed.

Is oxazepam safe for elderly patients?

Older patients may be more sensitive to sedation or dizziness, and those over 80 may take longer to clear the drug from their system.

Oxazepam | CAS 604-75-1 | ADIMAYPTOBDMTL

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Benzodiazepine (Tranquilizer)

Oxazepam (brand name Serax) is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders or provide short-term relief from anxiety symptoms. It is also used for tension, agitation, and irritability, including in older patients or those experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Because it can be habit-forming and carries serious risks when mixed with opioids, it must be used exactly as prescribed.

How it worksOxazepam works by affecting a receptor in the brain called GABA-A, which helps calm the central nervous system.

Brand names:SERAX

Used for

Anxiety disordersShort-term relief of anxiety symptomsTension and irritabilityAgitationAnxiety associated with depressionAlcohol withdrawal symptoms (tremulousness or anxiety)

Conditions

Anxiety disordersAlcohol withdrawal

Class

BenzodiazepineTranquilizerBenzodiazepine (Tranquilizer)Central Nervous System

How to take

FormsOral capsule, Oral tablet

RoutesOral

Dosage is personalized by a doctor. For mild-to-moderate anxiety, doses often range from 10mg to 15mg taken 3 or 4 times daily. For severe anxiety or depression-related anxiety, doses may range from 15mg to 30mg taken 3 or 4 times daily. Older patients may start with a lower dose of 10mg 3 times daily.

Do not stop taking oxazepam suddenly; your doctor will help you taper the dose gradually to prevent withdrawal.

Key warnings

Oxazepam carries a boxed warning regarding the risk of using it with opioids, which can cause extreme sleepiness, breathing failure, coma, and death. There is also a high risk of abuse, misuse, addiction, and dangerous withdrawal reactions.

·Oxazepam carries a boxed warning regarding the risk of using it with opioids, which can cause extreme sleepiness, breathing failure, coma, and death. There is also a high risk of abuse, misuse, addiction, and dangerous withdrawal reactions.
·Mixing oxazepam with opioids, alcohol, or other sedatives can be fatal.
·There is a risk of addiction, misuse, and abuse.
·Stopping the drug suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms.
·Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney issues.

Do not use if

·Known allergy or hypersensitivity to oxazepam
·Psychosis

Side effects

Common

Mild drowsinessDizzinessHeadacheVertigo

Serious

·Severe drowsiness or sedation
·Slow or shallow breathing
·Confusion or hallucinations
·Skin rashes
·Liver problems (jaundice)
·Low white blood cell counts (leukopenia)
·Unsteadiness or loss of coordination (ataxia)

Seek help if

·Shallow or slowed breathing
·Breathing stops
·Excessive sleepiness
·Delirium
·Paranoia
·Suicidal thoughts or actions
·Seizures

Interactions

·Opioid pain medications (increases risk of fatal breathing problems)
·Alcohol (increases risk of sedation and death)
·Other central nervous system depressants
·Various specific medications like Ultane, Halcion, and Mysoline

FoodNot specifically mentioned.

AlcoholDo not drink alcohol while taking oxazepam, as it significantly increases the risk of dangerous sedation and breathing problems.

Special populations

PregnancyUsing oxazepam late in pregnancy may cause babies to experience sedation or withdrawal symptoms after birth. While studies haven't shown a clear link to major birth defects, all pregnancies carry some risk of complications.

BreastfeedingOxazepam passes into breast milk. This can cause sedation, poor feeding, and poor weight gain in nursing infants.

PediatricOxazepam is not recommended for children under 6 years old, and safe doses for children aged 6 to 12 have not been established.

GeriatricOlder adults may be more sensitive to the effects of oxazepam, such as sedation or dizziness. Very elderly patients (over 80) may process the drug more slowly.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Breathing patterns
·Level of sedation
·Liver function
·Blood counts

Questions to ask

·How should I taper off this medication?
·Are there risks to my liver or kidneys?
·How will this interact with my other medications?
·What should I do if I experience extreme sleepiness?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetPrompt action

Half-lifeApproximately 8.2 hours

BioavailabilitySingle 30 mg dose results in equivalent absorption across capsule, tablet, or suspension.

MetabolismHas a single, major inactive metabolite in man, a glucuronide excreted in the urine.

ExcretionExcreted in the urine.

Practical

OverdoseAn overdose can cause extreme sleepiness, confusion, loss of coordination, slowed breathing, and coma. Mixing oxazepam with other depressants during an overdose is extremely dangerous.

Ingredients

Allergens

lactosedairy

Inactive

lactose monohydratestarch, corncroscarmellose sodiumhypromellose, unspecifiedsodium lauryl sulfatemagnesium stearategelatintitanium dioxideD&C Red #28FD&C Red #40D&C Yellow #10FD&C Blue #2aluminum lakeshellac

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.