Oxazepam

DEA Class;  Rx

Common Brand Names; Serax

  • Antianxiety Agents; 
  • Anxiolytics, Benzodiazepines

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.

Indicated for the treatment of anxiety.

For treatment of acute alcohol withdrawal.
For the treatment of insomnia.

Documented hypersensitivity

  • Sedation
  • Ataxia
  • Confusion
  • Memory impairment
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Syncope edema
  • Leukopenia, blood dyscrasias
  • Decreased libido
  • Rash
  • Incontinence
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Jaundice
  • Blured vision; diplopia

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 Category: D

Lactation: Avoid during breastfeeding

Adults

120 mg/day PO.

Geriatric

60 mg/day PO; doses up to 120 mg/day may be needed to treat alcohol withdrawal.

Adolescents

120 mg/day PO for anxiety.

Children

6 to 12 years: 1 mg/kg/day PO.
1 to 5 years: Not recommended.

Oxazepam

capsule: Schedule IV

  • 10mg
  • 15mg
  • 30mg

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