What is Oxazepam: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Oxazepam overview

BRAND NAMES:

Generic Names:

  • Oxazepam

Uses:

  • Treats anxiety, anxiety with depression, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antianxiety

Forms:

  • Capsule, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Oxazepam used for?

What form(s) does Oxazepam come in

  • Capsule

  • Tablet

What are common Oxazepam doses?

  • Capsule 10MG

  • Capsule 15MG

  • Capsule 30MG

Common Oxazepam prescriptions

  • Oxazepam
    10mg capsule

  • Oxazepam
    15mg capsule

  • Oxazepam
    30mg capsule

How to take Oxazepam

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, take the missed dose as soon as possible unless you are more than 1 hour late. If you are more than one hour late, skip the missed dose and return to your usual time to use your medicine.

  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, take the missed dose as soon as possible unless you are more than 1 hour late. If you are more than one hour late, skip the missed dose and return to your usual time to use your medicine.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Oxazepam

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, take the missed dose as soon as possible unless you are more than 1 hour late.

  • If you are more than one hour late, skip the missed dose and return to your usual time to use your medicine.

  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Oxazepam contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to oxazepam, or you are pregnant.

Oxazepam warnings

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, glaucoma, lung disease or breathing problems, or a history of alcohol or drug abuse, depression, or mental health problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Respiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening), when used with narcotic pain medicines

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem. Also, lying down for a while may relieve dizziness or lightheadedness.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Oxazepam interactions

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Talk with your doctor before you stop using this medicine,especially if you have been using it for a long time or in large doses. The doctor may have you take smaller and smaller doses before you stop completely.

  • Older patients and children may have more severe side effects from this medicine.

Oxazepam side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blue lips, fingernails, or skin

  • Extreme drowsiness or weakness, slow heartbeat, trouble breathing, seizure, and cold, clammy skin

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Irregular heart beat

  • Slurred speech

  • Difficulty breathing

  • "Hangover" effect after bedtime use

  • Difficulty going to the bathroom (urinating)

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild drowsiness or sleepiness

  • Diarrhea or constipation

  • Clumsiness, trouble with coordination

  • "Hangover" effect after bedtime use

  • Blurred vision

  • Problems with memory

  • Difficulty going to the bathroom (urinating)

  • Dry mouth

  • Headache

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