Oxazepam
SERAX
What it isGABA-A-positive benzodiazepine; anxiety and alcohol withdrawal.
Why it mattersIts slow absorption lowers abuse appeal, while direct glucuronidation makes it more predictable than diazepam in liver disease.
What it changesSedation and falls can end treatment; opioids magnify respiratory depression, and abrupt withdrawal can provoke seizures.
FDA-approved for
- anxiety (~1965)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
BOXED WARNING Concomitant use with opioids (profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, death); abuse, misuse, addiction; dependence and withdrawal reactions
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild-moderate anxiety | Adults | 10-15 mg TID-QID | 10-15 mg TID-QID | |
| Severe anxiety syndromes / anxiety with depression | Adults | 15-30 mg TID-QID | 15-30 mg TID-QID | |
| Anxiety in older patients | Elderly | 10 mg TID | increase cautiously to 15 mg TID-QID | |
| Alcohol withdrawal (acute inebriation/tremulousness) | Adults | 15-30 mg TID-QID | 15-30 mg TID-QID |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Taper gradually to discontinue or reduce dose to avoid withdrawal reactions
- Not indicated under 6 yr; dose in 6-12 yr not established
Contraindications
- Not indicated in psychoses
Cautions
- Profound sedation/respiratory depression with opioids or other CNS depressants
- Abuse, dependence, and withdrawal reactions
- Drowsiness / impaired coordination
- Paradoxical reactions (excitement, stimulation)
Adverse reactions
- Transient drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Headache
- Rarely syncope
- Paradoxical excitement
Pregnancy Undefined
Lactation Undefined
⚠ BOXED WARNINGS
- Risk from concomitant use with opioids
- Abuse, misuse and addiction
- Dependence and withdrawal reactions
Cost, est. cash$10–$300/month
Generic entry1987
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryD
Defining liabilitySedation, falls, dependence and additive respiratory depression with opioids or other CNS depressants.
Mechanism of action: Oxazepam ballicule
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