What Is Oxazepam?

Benzodiazepines are a class of sedative drugs used in the treatment of seizures, anxiety and muscular disorders. The drug oxazepam falls into this category and is typically prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. This drug can ease the symptoms of both conditions but can also cause serious side effects, including addiction, birth defects and death. Oxazepam only should be taken as a physician instructs.

Function

Oxazepam is one of four drugs in the benzodiazepine family. Benzodiazepines are mild sedatives that depress the central nervous system and act as a muscle relaxant. The drug works by amplifying the effects of a naturally occurring chemical in the brain that calms the body, called gamma-aminobutyric acid. Oxazepam has a half-life of 4 to 15 hours, making the drug an intermediate acting benzodiazepine. Because the drug is habit-forming, oxazepam is usually prescribed for a short period of time.

Usage

Oxazepam is commonly prescribed for the treatment of chronic anxiety disorders and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Because of its sedation properties, oxazepam can be successful at treating chronic anxiety or anxiety related to emotional trauma. Oxazepam is also successful in treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as shakiness, agitation and anxiety. Oxazepam may also be used to treat insomnia, though it is usually prescribed to help someone stay asleep rather than fall asleep.

Dosage

The dosage of oxazepam depends on the condition being treated and its severity. A physician can determine exactly how much of the drug is needed for a patient. Typically, an adult with mild anxiety is prescribed 10 to 15 milligrams to be taken three to four times each day. For severe anxiety or for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, the dosage may be increased from 15 to 30 milligrams three to four times daily.

Side Effects

Side effects of oxazepam include dizziness, confusion or hallucinations. Users may also experience jaundice or have difficulty urinating. Medical attention should be sought if the user experiences decreased inhibitions and partakes in unusually risky behavior, as this can pose a serious threat. Other potential side effects include decreased libido, slurred speech and forgetfulness. Some users may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking oxazepam. Such symptoms include tremors, nausea and seizures.

Warning

Oxazepam should not be taken with alcohol since the drug can intensify alcohol's effects. Oaxepam is also highly addictive. Prolonged treatment at high doses can lead to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. This drug is especially dangerous for pregnant women as it could cause hypotonia, also known as floppy infant syndrome, and other birth defects in the fetus. Oxazepam should not be taken by nursing mothers since the drug can pass into the breast milk. Overdosing on this drug can be fatal.

Resources

• Learn More About Oxazepam from the National Institutes of Health