Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Oxazepam WorksSide EffectsPrecautionsSafetyDuring Pregnancy and NursingDependence and AddictionWithdrawal

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

How Oxazepam Works

Side Effects

Precautions

Safety

During Pregnancy and Nursing

Dependence and Addiction

Withdrawal

Close

What is the most important information I should know about oxazepam?Oxazepam carries a risk for dependence and addiction, so it should only be used as a short-term treatment for anxiety or substance withdrawal.Do not stop taking oxazepam without talking to your doctor first; gradual tapering can help reduce the risk of potentially dangerous withdrawal complications.

What is the most important information I should know about oxazepam?

Oxazepam carries a risk for dependence and addiction, so it should only be used as a short-term treatment for anxiety or substance withdrawal.Do not stop taking oxazepam without talking to your doctor first; gradual tapering can help reduce the risk of potentially dangerous withdrawal complications.

The medication oxazepam (which is sold under the brand name Serax, among others) is used for short-term relief of anxiety, tension, agitation, and irritability. It’s also used to treat anxiety associated withdepressionandalcohol withdrawal, and cocaine withdrawal.

Oxazepam is an older medication that was first marketed in 1965. Since it’s been around so long, it’s available almost exclusively as a generic drug—brand name versions like Serax are difficult or impossible to find. However, the generic versions of the medication should work as well as the prescription versions. Oxazepam works slowly compared to other benzodiazepine drugs.

Oxazepam is a benzodiazepine. As with all medications in that class of drugs, you can become addicted if you use the drug too frequently or for too long.

Benzodiazepines: Addiction and Dependence

Like other benzodiazepines, oxazepam affects gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. The result of this is reduced excitability of the central nervous system. This induces feelings of relaxation and reduced anxiety.

These medications are fast-acting, which is why they are used to treat acute anxiety symptoms.

Oxazepam Side Effects

As with all prescription drugs, oxazepam has potential side effects, some of which may be serious.

The most common side effect seen with the use of oxazepam is drowsiness or lethargy, especially when you first start to take the medication.

If this is too big a problem or lasts for more than a few days, talk to your doctor about reducing your dosage (which almost always solves the problem).

Less common side effects of oxazepam include:

Benzodiazepines Uses, Indications, and Side Effects

Oxazepam Precautions

When starting oxazepam, you shouldn’t drive or perform any other potentially hazardous activities until you know how you will react to the medication (and even then you should practice caution).

Combining oxazepam with alcohol, opioid medications, or other substances that depress the central nervous system could result in serious complications, even death due to suppression of the breathing center in the brain.

How Depressants Affect the Central Nervous System

People with a history of psychosis should not be prescribed oxazepam.Likewise, the medication should be avoided in anyone with a history of addictive behavior. An exception, of course, is when the medication is used for alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

When oxazepam is used for alcohol, cocaine, or other substance abuse withdrawal, a person should be closely monitored when the medication is used.

Benzodiazepines, including oxazepam, should also be avoided entirely in the elderly and in people with dementia.

Safety Compared to Other Benzodiazepines

Oxazepam is significantly safer in terms of toxicity than either Librium (chlordiazepoxide) orValium(diazepam), two other benzodiazepines.

Commonly used doses of oxazepam are less likely than equivalent doses of other benzodiazepines to cause dangerous side effects.

Benzodiazepines are associated with pregnancy outcomes, including decreased gestational age and birth weight.Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

This medication should be stopped as soon as possible in pregnancy, but due to the possibility of withdrawal, this should only be done under the guidance of your physician.

Benzodiazepines are categorized as a Schedule IV medication, which means that they have the potential to cause psychological and physical dependence. Because of this, benzodiazepines such as oxazepam are usually only prescribed for around two to four weeks.

Taking oxazepam for longer periods increases the risk of dependence. People can also develop a tolerance to the medication, which means that they need to take more in order to achieve the same effects.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Oxazepam Withdrawal

Abrupt discontinuation of oxazepam or any other benzodiazepine, especially after extended therapy, can cause mild to severe withdrawal effects.Symptoms of withdrawal include:

For those who have been using oxazepam for some time, withdrawal can be severe and even fatal.

Because of this problem, you should try to use the medication for as little time as possible and discuss with your doctor how to taper your dosage off gradually. Never discontinue the drug suddenly.

Do not stop taking oxazepam without talking to your doctor. It is not safe to stop taking benzodiazepines abruptly. Your doctor will supervise a gradual tapering of your dose to minimize the risk of dangerous withdrawal side effects.

Summary

Oxazepam can be a useful medication for the acute treatment of anxiety or alcohol withdrawal, and since it may have fewer side effects than some of the other benzodiazepines, may be a good choice in certain circumstances.

At the same time, it’s essential to understand that benzodiazepines are strong medications with a potential for abuse and serious side effects, both due to the side effects of the drug alone or in combination with other drugs, and due to withdrawal side effects when it is discontinued.

10 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine.DailyMed. Oxazepam capsule.Singh R, Abdijadid S.Oxazepam. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Serax (oxazepam).Saarelainen L, Taipale H, Koponen M, et al.The incidence of benzodiazepine and related drug use in persons with and without Alzheimer’s disease.J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;49(3):809–818. doi:10.3233/JAD-150630LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet].Oxazepam. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012.Huitfeldt A, Sundbakk LM, Skurtveit S, Handal M, Nordeng H.Associations of maternal use of benzodiazepines or benzodiazepine-like hypnotics during pregnancy with immediate pregnancy outcomes in Norway.JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(6):e205860. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.5860Nishimura A, Furugen A, Umazume T, et al.Benzodiazepine concentrations in the breast milk and plasma of nursing mothers: Estimation of relative infant dose.Breastfeed Med. 2021;16(5):424-431. doi:10.1089/bfm.2020.0259Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).Benzodiazepines. In:Drugs of Abuse: A DEA Resource Guide. 2017 ed.Soyka M.Treatment of benzodiazepine dependence.N Engl J Med. 2017;376(12):1147–1157. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1611832Hood SD, Norman A, Hince DA, Melichar JK, Hulse GK.Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment with low dose flumazenil.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2014;77(2):285-94. doi:10.1111/bcp.12023Additional ReadingU.S. National Library of Medicine. Medline Plus. Oxazepam.Tampi, R., and D. Tampi.Efficacy and Tolerability of Benzodiazepines for the Treatment of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.American Journal of Alzheimers Disease and Other Dementias. 2014. 29(7):565-74.

10 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine.DailyMed. Oxazepam capsule.Singh R, Abdijadid S.Oxazepam. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Serax (oxazepam).Saarelainen L, Taipale H, Koponen M, et al.The incidence of benzodiazepine and related drug use in persons with and without Alzheimer’s disease.J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;49(3):809–818. doi:10.3233/JAD-150630LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet].Oxazepam. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012.Huitfeldt A, Sundbakk LM, Skurtveit S, Handal M, Nordeng H.Associations of maternal use of benzodiazepines or benzodiazepine-like hypnotics during pregnancy with immediate pregnancy outcomes in Norway.JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(6):e205860. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.5860Nishimura A, Furugen A, Umazume T, et al.Benzodiazepine concentrations in the breast milk and plasma of nursing mothers: Estimation of relative infant dose.Breastfeed Med. 2021;16(5):424-431. doi:10.1089/bfm.2020.0259Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).Benzodiazepines. In:Drugs of Abuse: A DEA Resource Guide. 2017 ed.Soyka M.Treatment of benzodiazepine dependence.N Engl J Med. 2017;376(12):1147–1157. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1611832Hood SD, Norman A, Hince DA, Melichar JK, Hulse GK.Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment with low dose flumazenil.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2014;77(2):285-94. doi:10.1111/bcp.12023Additional ReadingU.S. National Library of Medicine. Medline Plus. Oxazepam.Tampi, R., and D. Tampi.Efficacy and Tolerability of Benzodiazepines for the Treatment of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.American Journal of Alzheimers Disease and Other Dementias. 2014. 29(7):565-74.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

U.S. National Library of Medicine.DailyMed. Oxazepam capsule.Singh R, Abdijadid S.Oxazepam. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Serax (oxazepam).Saarelainen L, Taipale H, Koponen M, et al.The incidence of benzodiazepine and related drug use in persons with and without Alzheimer’s disease.J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;49(3):809–818. doi:10.3233/JAD-150630LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet].Oxazepam. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012.Huitfeldt A, Sundbakk LM, Skurtveit S, Handal M, Nordeng H.Associations of maternal use of benzodiazepines or benzodiazepine-like hypnotics during pregnancy with immediate pregnancy outcomes in Norway.JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(6):e205860. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.5860Nishimura A, Furugen A, Umazume T, et al.Benzodiazepine concentrations in the breast milk and plasma of nursing mothers: Estimation of relative infant dose.Breastfeed Med. 2021;16(5):424-431. doi:10.1089/bfm.2020.0259Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).Benzodiazepines. In:Drugs of Abuse: A DEA Resource Guide. 2017 ed.Soyka M.Treatment of benzodiazepine dependence.N Engl J Med. 2017;376(12):1147–1157. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1611832Hood SD, Norman A, Hince DA, Melichar JK, Hulse GK.Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment with low dose flumazenil.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2014;77(2):285-94. doi:10.1111/bcp.12023

U.S. National Library of Medicine.DailyMed. Oxazepam capsule.

Singh R, Abdijadid S.Oxazepam. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Serax (oxazepam).

Saarelainen L, Taipale H, Koponen M, et al.The incidence of benzodiazepine and related drug use in persons with and without Alzheimer’s disease.J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;49(3):809–818. doi:10.3233/JAD-150630

LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet].Oxazepam. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012.

Huitfeldt A, Sundbakk LM, Skurtveit S, Handal M, Nordeng H.Associations of maternal use of benzodiazepines or benzodiazepine-like hypnotics during pregnancy with immediate pregnancy outcomes in Norway.JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(6):e205860. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.5860

Nishimura A, Furugen A, Umazume T, et al.Benzodiazepine concentrations in the breast milk and plasma of nursing mothers: Estimation of relative infant dose.Breastfeed Med. 2021;16(5):424-431. doi:10.1089/bfm.2020.0259

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).Benzodiazepines. In:Drugs of Abuse: A DEA Resource Guide. 2017 ed.

Soyka M.Treatment of benzodiazepine dependence.N Engl J Med. 2017;376(12):1147–1157. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1611832

Hood SD, Norman A, Hince DA, Melichar JK, Hulse GK.Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment with low dose flumazenil.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2014;77(2):285-94. doi:10.1111/bcp.12023

U.S. National Library of Medicine. Medline Plus. Oxazepam.Tampi, R., and D. Tampi.Efficacy and Tolerability of Benzodiazepines for the Treatment of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.American Journal of Alzheimers Disease and Other Dementias. 2014. 29(7):565-74.

U.S. National Library of Medicine. Medline Plus. Oxazepam.

Meet Our Review Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

What is your feedback?