Generic name: Oxazepam
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Serax?
Oxazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to treat anxiety disorders.
Oxazepam may also be used short-term to treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Oxazepam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to oxazepam, or if you have mental illness and psychosis.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts;
- alcoholism or drug addiction; or
- low blood pressure.
Oxazepam may harm an unborn baby. Avoid taking this medicine during the first trimester of pregnancy.
If you use oxazepam during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.
How should I use Serax
Use Serax (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use oxazepam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.
Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Do not stop using oxazepam without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Serax side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Oxazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe drowsiness;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- unusual changes in mood or behavior;
- confusion, anger, paranoia, problems with memory or concentration;
- tremors, slurred speech, problems with balance or muscle movement;
- a seizure;
- trouble breathing; or
- upper stomach pain, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness;
- dizziness, spinning sensation; or
- headache.
After you stop using oxazepam, get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions.
Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping this medicine suddenly. Tell your doctor if you have ongoing anxiety, depression, problems with memory or thinking, trouble sleeping, ringing in your ears, a burning or prickly feeling, or a crawling sensation under your skin.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Serax?
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.