Generic
Oxazepam
2 brands available in the market
At a glance
Oxazepam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety disorders and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It enhances GABA's inhibitory effect to suppress abnormal and excessive activity of nerve cells in the brain.
Description
Oxazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine. It increases neuronal membrane permeability to Cl ions by binding to stereospecific benzodiazepine receptors on the postsynaptic GABA neuron within the CNS and enhancing GABA inhibitory effects, resulting in hyperpolarisation and stabilisation.
Indications
- Anxiety disorders (especially tension, irritability and agitation in elderly)
- Acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Therapeutic class
Tricyclic Anti-depressant
Pharmacological class
Benzodiazepine
Pharmacology
Oxazepam enhances GABA's inhibitory effect to suppress excessive nerve cell activity in the brain, reducing anxiety and agitation.
Mechanism of action
Relieves anxiety and alcohol withdrawal symptoms by enhancing GABA effects.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Mild-moderate anxiety: 10-15 mg 3-4 times daily
- Severe anxiety/agitation: 15-30 mg 3-4 times daily
- Alcohol withdrawal: 15-30 mg 3-4 times daily
- Insomnia (anxiety-related): 15-25 mg 1 hour before bedtime
Elderly Dose: 10 mg 3 times daily (initial); increase to 10-20 mg 3-4 times daily if needed
Pediatric Dose (>12 years): 10-15 mg 3-4 times daily (mild-moderate); 15-30 mg 3-4 times daily (severe)
Administration
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Take at the same time each day
- May be taken with or without food
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Lethargy
- Edema
- Slurred speech
- Tremor
- Altered libido
- Rash
Precautions & warnings
- High addiction/habit-forming potential
- Do not stop suddenly (withdrawal symptoms may occur)
- Should not be used for more than 4 weeks
- Caution while driving
- Avoid alcohol
- Elderly patients may have reduced muscle tone and increased risk of falls
Contraindications
- Not for treatment of psychoses
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Hypersensitivity
- Acute alcohol intoxication
- Myasthenia gravis
- Severe respiratory depression
- Depressed neuroses
Drug interactions
- Additive CNS depression with barbiturates, antipsychotics, sedatives/hypnotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, anticonvulsants
- Increased psychic dependence with narcotic analgesics
- CYP450 inhibitors may enhance benzodiazepine activity
Food interactions
Alcohol may cause excessive drowsiness; avoid.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Oxazepam is highly unsafe during pregnancy; definite evidence of fetal harm.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Oxazepam is probably safe during breastfeeding; no significant risk to baby.
Pediatric use
Safety not established in children under 6 years; dose for 6-12 years determined by physician.
Geriatric use
Elderly starting dose: 10 mg 3 times daily.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe in kidney disease; no dose adjustment needed (ESRD patients may experience excessive sleepiness).
Hepatic Impairment: Not recommended in severe liver disease; caution.
Overdose effects
Overdose: Drowsiness, confusion, ataxia, coma, respiratory depression; flumazenil as antidote.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light and moisture; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Oxazepam