Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Serax
- Antianxiety Agents;
- Anxiolytics, Benzodiazepines
Description
Short-acting oral benzodiazepine metabolized to inactive metabolites; may be a preferred agent in those with hepatic disease; used primarily for anxiety disorders or acute alcohol withdrawal.
Indications
Indicated for the treatment of anxiety.
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Adverse Effects
- Sedation
- Ataxia
- Confusion
- Memory impairment
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Muscle weakness
- Syncope edema
- Leukopenia, blood dyscrasias
- Decreased libido
- Rash
- Incontinence
- Menstrual irregularities
- Jaundice
- Blured vision; diplopia
Warnings
Use caution in respiratory diseases (COPD), sleep apnea, depression, suicide ideation, history of drug abuse
Continued use of benzodiazepines may lead to clinically significant physical dependence; longer treatment duration and higher daily dose increases risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms; rapid dose reduction or abrupt discontinuation after continued use may result in withdrawal reactions that can be life threatening; to reduce risk of withdrawal reactions gradual taper recommended when discontinuing drug or reducing dosage
Use caution in patients with hepatic impairment, depression, respiratory disease, and debilitated and elderly patients at risk of falls and traumatic injuries
Not for use as analgesic, antipsychotic, or antidepressant
Patients should be warned that the effects of alcohol or other depressant drugs may be additive to those of oxazepam, which may require adjusting dosage or elimination of such patients
Anterograde amnesia reported with benzodiazepines
Sleep-related hazardous activities, including sleep-driving, making phone calls, cooking, and eating food reported with benzodiazepines
Hypotension reported; use caution in patients with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease or patients who do not tolerate transient decreases in blood pressure
Paradoxical reactions, including aggressive and hyperactive behavior reported with benzodiazepines, especially in pediatric/adolescent or psychiatric patients
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy Category: D
Lactation: Avoid during breastfeeding
Maximum Dosage
120 mg/day PO.
60 mg/day PO; doses up to 120 mg/day may be needed to treat alcohol withdrawal.
120 mg/day PO for anxiety.
6 to 12 years: 1 mg/kg/day PO.
1 to 5 years: Not recommended.
How supplied
Oxazepam
capsule: Schedule IV
- 10mg
- 15mg
- 30mg