Oxazepam

SERAX

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Pronunciation: ox-A-ze-pam

Oxazepam ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Oxazepam ballicule

Oxazepam SERAX mascot mnemonic cartoon — Visual mnemonic: Oxazepam mascot
**“Sera axed Ox”**

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.

Oxazepam molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Oxazepam

Oxazepam prescription history

Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Benzodiazepines (1961–2026). Oxazepam enters in 1965 (estimated).

FDA-approved for

anxiety (~1965)

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden2 / 4

Overdose danger2 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability2 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk2 / 4

Legacy pregnancy categoryD

Defining liabilitySedation, falls, dependence and additive respiratory depression with opioids or other CNS depressants.

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
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

Available strengths

cap 10, 15, 30 mg

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

Cost

Oxazepam (SERAX)

What pharmacies pay · NADAC 9/30/26

Strength		#/mo	generic $/mo	CostPlus
10 mg	cap	90 TID	$65.23	not offered
15 mg	cap	90 TID	$79.54	not offered
30 mg	cap	90 TID	$121.45	not offered

Generic entry1987

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Memory aids: interaction avatars

UGT2B15 substrate

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Self-check

Oxazepam: Why is clearance more predictable than diazepam in liver disease?
Direct glucuronidation.
Oxazepam: What can abrupt withdrawal provoke?
Seizures.