Description

What is oxazepam?

Oxazepam is a benzodiazepine . Oxazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety.

Oxazepam is used to treat anxiety disorders or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Oxazepam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use oxazepam if you are allergic to oxazepam or other benzodiazepines (such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, Ativan, Valium, Tranxene, Versed, Xanax, and others).

To make sure oxazepam is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a history of depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts or behavior;
• a history of drug or alcohol addiction;
• liver or kidney disease; or
• if you use a narcotic (opioid) medication.

Do not use oxazepam if you are pregnant. This medicine can cause birth defects. Your baby could also become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking oxazepam.

Oxazepam can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using oxazepam.

Oxazepam is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

How should I take oxazepam?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Never use oxazepam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.

Oxazepam may be habit-forming. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Misuse of habit-forming medicine can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

While using oxazepam, you may need frequent blood tests.

Oxazepam should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medicine for longer than your doctor recommends.

Do not stop using oxazepam suddenly or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, including a seizure (convulsions). Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.