Apo-Oxazepam

Brand Names: Apo-Oxazepam

Common Name: oxazepam

What is this drug used for?

Oxazepam belongs to the class of medications called benzodiazepines.

Oxazepam is used for the short-term relief of the symptoms of excessive anxiety. It works by slowing down the neurons in the brain (central nervous system). It is also used to control symptoms such as agitation, caused by alcohol withdrawal.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

Oxazepam should not be taken by anyone with:

• an allergy to oxazepam or any other benzodiazepines or any ingredients of this medication
• myasthenia gravis
• acute narrow-angle glaucoma

What about possible side effects?

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Your health professional may be able to help you to deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medicine; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

More common:

• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• slurred speech

  Less common or rare:

• abdominal or stomach cramps or pain
• blurred vision or other changes in vision
• changes in sexual desire or ability
• constipation
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• false sense of well-being
• headache
• increased watering of mouth
• muscle spasm
• nausea or vomiting
• problems with urination
• trembling
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common:

• anxiety
• confusion
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• lack of memory
• depression

  Rare:

• abnormal thinking (disorientation, delusions, or loss of sense of reality)
• agitation
• behavioural changes, including:
  • aggressiveness
  • bizarre behaviour
  • decreased inhibition
  • angry outbursts
• convulsions (seizures)
• hallucinations
• low blood pressure
• muscle weakness
• skin rash or itching
• sore throat, fever, and chills
• trouble sleeping
• ulcers or sores in mouth or throat
• uncontrolled movements of body, including the eyes
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability
• unusual tiredness or weakness (severe)
• yellow eyes or skin

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

What if I am taking other drugs?

The following may affect how oxazepam works or increase the risk of side effects:

• alcohol
• anticonvulsants
• antipsychotics
• MAO inhibitors
• theophylline
• narcotics
• sedatives
• tricyclic antidepressants

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Other information:

Dependence and withdrawal: Physical dependence (a need to take regular doses to prevent physical symptoms) has been associated with benzodiazepines such as oxazepam. Severe withdrawal symptoms may occur if the dose is significantly reduced or suddenly discontinued. Symptoms can include irritability, nervousness, sleep problems, agitation, tremors, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, memory impairment, headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, confusion, and seizures. Reducing the dose gradually under medical supervision can help prevent or decrease these withdrawal symptoms.

Medical conditions: Oxazepam is not recommended for use by people with depression or psychosis. People who have an addiction to alcohol or other drugs should not take oxazepam, except in rare situations under medical supervision.

Occupational hazards: Because oxazepam causes drowsiness and sedation, do not engage in activities that require mental alertness, judgment, and physical coordination (such as driving or operating machinery) while taking it. This is particularly true when first taking the medication and until you have established that oxazepam does not affect you this way. Avoid drinking alcohol as it can increase the drowsiness effects of this medication.

Pregnancy: The safety of using oxazepam during pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, it is not recommended for pregnant women. If you are or may be pregnant, inform your doctor of all the medications you take. The benefits of this medication will then need to be weighed against the risks.

Breast-feeding: Oxazepam may pass into breast milk. Nursing mothers should avoid using it where possible.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for people younger than 18 years of age. Therefore it is not recommended for use by this age group.

Seniors: The sedative and impaired-coordination effects of oxazepam may affect seniors more than others. Extra caution is needed, for example, when getting up during the night.

Special Instructions:

The recommended starting dose for adults ranges from 15 mg to 60 mg daily in divided doses. It is important that the dose be individualized to your specific needs to avoid excessive sedation or motor impairment. Your doctor can increase the dose to as high as 120 mg per day in three to four divided doses.

This medication is normally used for a short period of time or as an "as required" medication. It may be habit-forming when taken for long periods of time. If you have been taking this medication regularly for a long period of time (i.e., more than one month), do not stop taking the medication without first speaking with your doctor. A gradual reduction in dose is recommended when stopping this medication to avoid withdrawal effects.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue with your regular schedule. If your next dose is in less than 4 hours, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Store at room temperature in a dry place. Keep out of reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

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