Brand Names: Serax

Generic Name: oxazepam (Pronunciation: ox A ze pam)

• What is oxazepam (Serax)?
• What are the possible side effects of oxazepam (Serax)?
• What is the most important information I should know about oxazepam (Serax)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oxazepam (Serax)?
• How should I take oxazepam (Serax)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Serax)?
• What happens if I overdose (Serax)?
• What should I avoid while taking oxazepam (Serax)?
• What other drugs will affect oxazepam (Serax)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is oxazepam (Serax)?

Oxazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Oxazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

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

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

Oxazepam 10 mg-ESI

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Oxazepam 10 mg-PUR

pink, imprinted with R067

Oxazepam 10 mg-ZEN

blue/white, imprinted with Z 4804

Oxazepam 15 mg-ESI

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Oxazepam 15 mg-IVA

white, imprinted with Z 4805, Z4805

Oxazepam 15 mg-PUR

red, imprinted with R069

Oxazepam 30 mg-IVA

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Oxazepam 30 mg-PUR

maroon, imprinted with R073

What are the possible side effects of oxazepam (Serax)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• confusion;
• unusual risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;
• hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;
• hallucinations;
• feeling lightheaded, fainting;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• problems with urination.

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness;
• amnesia or forgetfulness, trouble concentrating;
• slurred speech;
• swelling;
• headache;
• skin rash;
• nausea, vomiting, constipation;
• irregular menstrual periods; or
• loss of interest in sex.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Serax (oxazepam) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about oxazepam (Serax)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to oxazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), or lorazepam (Ativan).

Before taking oxazepam, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, porphyria, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Do not drink alcohol while taking oxazepam. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by oxazepam.

Oxazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Oxazepam should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.