Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
capsule: Schedule IV
- 10mg
- 15mg
- 30mg
Anxiety
Mild/moderate: 10-15 mg PO q6-8hr PRN
Severe, agitation or assoc with depression: 15-30 mg PO q6-8hr PRN
Alcohol Withdrawal
15-30 mg PO q6-8hr PRN
Dosage Forms & Strengths
capsule: Schedule IV
- 10mg
- 15mg
- 30mg
Anxiety
<6 years: Not recommended
6-12 years: Not established; use with caution
>12 years
- Mild/moderate: 10-15 mg PO q6-8hr PRN
- Severe, agitation or assoc with depression: 15-30 mg PO q6-8hr PRN
Drug of choice in elderly when benzodiazepine indicated because of short half-life
Anxiety
10 mg q8-12hr; may gradually increase to total dose of 30-45 mg/day PRN
Ethanol Withdrawal
10-30 mg PO q8-12hr PRN
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (10)
- benzhydrocodone/acetaminophen
benzhydrocodone/acetaminophen, oxazepam. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result if coadministered. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs in patients for whom other treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Monitor closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation.
benzhydrocodone/acetaminophen and oxazepam both increase sedation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Limit use to patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate - buprenorphine subdermal implant
buprenorphine subdermal implant and oxazepam both increase sedation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Limit use to patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate
- calcium/magnesium/potassium/sodium oxybates
oxazepam, calcium/magnesium/potassium/sodium oxybates. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result if coadministered. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs in patients for whom other treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Monitor closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation.
- hydrocodone
hydrocodone, oxazepam. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result if coadministered. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs in patients for whom other treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Monitor closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation.
- metoclopramide intranasal
oxazepam, metoclopramide intranasal. Either increases effects of the other by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Avoid use of metoclopramide intranasal or interacting drug, depending on importance of drug to patient.
- olopatadine intranasal
oxazepam and olopatadine intranasal both increase sedation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Coadministration increases risk of CNS depression, which can lead to additive impairment of psychomotor performance and cause daytime impairment.
- selinexor
selinexor, oxazepam. unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Patients treated with selinexor may experience neurological toxicities. Avoid taking selinexor with other medications that may cause dizziness or confusion.
- sodium oxybate
oxazepam, sodium oxybate. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result if coadministered. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs in patients for whom other treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Monitor closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation.
- sufentanil SL
sufentanil SL, oxazepam. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Coadministration may result in hypotension, profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs in patients for whom other treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Monitor closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation.
- valerian
valerian and oxazepam both increase sedation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
Monitor Closely (201)
- acrivastine
acrivastine and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- albuterol
oxazepam increases and albuterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- alfentanil
oxazepam and alfentanil both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- alprazolam
alprazolam and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- amisulpride
amisulpride and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- amitriptyline
oxazepam and amitriptyline both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- amobarbital
amobarbital and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- amoxapine
oxazepam and amoxapine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- apomorphine
oxazepam and apomorphine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- arformoterol
oxazepam increases and arformoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- aripiprazole
oxazepam and aripiprazole both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- armodafinil
oxazepam increases and armodafinil decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- asenapine
asenapine and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- asenapine transdermal
asenapine transdermal and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- avapritinib
avapritinib and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- azelastine
azelastine and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- baclofen
oxazepam and baclofen both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- belladonna and opium
oxazepam and belladonna and opium both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- benperidol
oxazepam and benperidol both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- benzphetamine
oxazepam increases and benzphetamine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- brexanolone
brexanolone, oxazepam. Either increases toxicity of the other by sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- brexpiprazole
brexpiprazole and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- brimonidine
brimonidine and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- brivaracetam
brivaracetam and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- brompheniramine
brompheniramine and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- buprenorphine
oxazepam and buprenorphine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- buprenorphine buccal
oxazepam and buprenorphine buccal both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- buprenorphine subdermal implant
oxazepam increases toxicity of buprenorphine subdermal implant by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Studies have shown that the combination of benzodiazepines and buprenorphine altered the usual ceiling effect on buprenorphine-induced respiratory depression, making the respiratory effects of buprenorphine appear similar to those of full opioid agonists. There have been postmarketing reports of coma and death with coadministration of buprenorphine and benzodiazepines. In many, but not all of these cases, buprenorphine was misused by self-injection. If a benzodiazepine must be used for an indication other than seizures, lower the benzodiazepine initial dose and cautiously titrate to clinical response.
- buprenorphine, long-acting injection
oxazepam increases toxicity of buprenorphine, long-acting injection by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration of buprenorphine and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants increases risk of adverse reactions including overdose, respiratory depression, and death. Cessation of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants is preferred in most cases. In some cases, monitoring at a higher level of care for tapering CNS depressants may be appropriate. In others, gradually tapering a patient off of a prescribed benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant or decreasing to the lowest effective dose may be appropriate.
- butabarbital
butabarbital and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- butalbital
butalbital and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- butorphanol
oxazepam and butorphanol both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- caffeine
oxazepam increases and caffeine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- carbinoxamine
carbinoxamine and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- carisoprodol
oxazepam and carisoprodol both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cenobamate
cenobamate, oxazepam. Either increases effects of the other by sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- chloral hydrate
oxazepam and chloral hydrate both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- chlordiazepoxide
chlordiazepoxide and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- chlorpheniramine
chlorpheniramine and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- chlorpromazine
oxazepam and chlorpromazine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- chlorzoxazone
oxazepam and chlorzoxazone both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cinnarizine
cinnarizine and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- clemastine
clemastine and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- clobazam
oxazepam, clobazam. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Concomitant administration can increase the potential for CNS effects (e.g., increased sedation or respiratory depression).
- clomipramine
oxazepam and clomipramine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- clonazepam
clonazepam and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- clonidine
clonidine, oxazepam. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration enhances CNS depressant effects.
- clorazepate
clorazepate and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- clozapine
oxazepam and clozapine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- codeine
oxazepam and codeine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cyclizine
cyclizine and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cyclobenzaprine
oxazepam and cyclobenzaprine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cyproheptadine
cyproheptadine and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dantrolene
oxazepam and dantrolene both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- daridorexant
oxazepam and daridorexant both increase sedation. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration increases risk of CNS depression, which can lead to additive impairment of psychomotor performance and cause daytime impairment.
- desflurane
desflurane and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- desipramine
oxazepam and desipramine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- deutetrabenazine
oxazepam and deutetrabenazine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dexchlorpheniramine
dexchlorpheniramine and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dexfenfluramine
oxazepam increases and dexfenfluramine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dexmedetomidine
oxazepam and dexmedetomidine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dexmethylphenidate
oxazepam increases and dexmethylphenidate decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dextroamphetamine
oxazepam increases and dextroamphetamine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dextromoramide
oxazepam and dextromoramide both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- diamorphine
oxazepam and diamorphine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- diazepam
diazepam and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- diazepam intranasal
diazepam intranasal, oxazepam. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration may potentiate the CNS-depressant effects of each drug.
- diethylpropion
oxazepam increases and diethylpropion decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- difelikefalin
difelikefalin and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- difenoxin hcl
oxazepam and difenoxin hcl both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dimenhydrinate
dimenhydrinate and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- diphenhydramine
diphenhydramine and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- diphenoxylate hcl
oxazepam and diphenoxylate hcl both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dipipanone
oxazepam and dipipanone both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dobutamine
oxazepam increases and dobutamine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dopamine
oxazepam increases and dopamine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dopexamine
oxazepam increases and dopexamine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dosulepin
oxazepam and dosulepin both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- doxepin
oxazepam and doxepin both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- doxylamine
oxazepam and doxylamine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- droperidol
oxazepam and droperidol both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ephedrine
oxazepam increases and ephedrine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- epinephrine
oxazepam increases and epinephrine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- epinephrine racemic
oxazepam increases and epinephrine racemic decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- esketamine intranasal
esketamine intranasal, oxazepam. Either increases toxicity of the other by sedation. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- estazolam
estazolam and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ethanol
oxazepam and ethanol both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- etomidate
etomidate and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- fenfluramine
oxazepam increases and fenfluramine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- flibanserin
oxazepam and flibanserin both increase sedation. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Risk for sedation increased if flibanserin is coadministration with other CNS depressants.
- fluphenazine
oxazepam and fluphenazine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- flurazepam
flurazepam and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- formoterol
oxazepam increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- gabapentin
gabapentin, oxazepam. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration of CNS depressants can result in serious, life-threatening, and fatal respiratory depression. Use lowest dose possible and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.
- gabapentin enacarbil
gabapentin enacarbil, oxazepam. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration of CNS depressants can result in serious, life-threatening, and fatal respiratory depression. Use lowest dose possible and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.
- ganaxolone
oxazepam and ganaxolone both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- haloperidol
oxazepam and haloperidol both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- hyaluronidase
hyaluronidase, oxazepam. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Drug combination has been found to be incompatible.
- hydromorphone
oxazepam and hydromorphone both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- hydroxyzine
hydroxyzine and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- iloperidone
oxazepam and iloperidone both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- imipramine
oxazepam and imipramine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- isoproterenol
oxazepam increases and isoproterenol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ketamine
ketamine and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ketotifen, ophthalmic
oxazepam and ketotifen, ophthalmic both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lasmiditan
lasmiditan, oxazepam. Either increases effects of the other by sedation. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration of lasmiditan and other CNS depressant drugs, including alcohol have not been evaluated in clinical studies. Lasmiditan may cause sedation, as well as other cognitive and/or neuropsychiatric adverse reactions.
- lemborexant
lemborexant, oxazepam. Either increases effects of the other by sedation. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Dosage adjustment may be necessary if lemborexant is coadministered with other CNS depressants because of potentially additive effects.
- levalbuterol
oxazepam increases and levalbuterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- levorphanol
oxazepam and levorphanol both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lisdexamfetamine
oxazepam increases and lisdexamfetamine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lofepramine
oxazepam and lofepramine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lofexidine
oxazepam and lofexidine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- loprazolam
loprazolam and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lorazepam
lorazepam and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lormetazepam
lormetazepam and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- loxapine
oxazepam and loxapine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- loxapine inhaled
oxazepam and loxapine inhaled both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lurasidone
lurasidone, oxazepam. Either increases toxicity of the other by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Potential for increased CNS depressant effects when used concurrently; monitor for increased adverse effects and toxicity.
- maprotiline
oxazepam and maprotiline both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- marijuana
oxazepam and marijuana both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- melatonin
oxazepam and melatonin both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- meperidine
oxazepam and meperidine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- meprobamate
oxazepam and meprobamate both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- metaproterenol
oxazepam increases and metaproterenol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- metaxalone
oxazepam and metaxalone both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- methadone
oxazepam and methadone both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- methamphetamine
oxazepam increases and methamphetamine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- methocarbamol
oxazepam and methocarbamol both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- methylenedioxymethamphetamine
oxazepam increases and methylenedioxymethamphetamine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- midazolam
midazolam and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- midazolam intranasal
midazolam intranasal, oxazepam. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Concomitant use of barbiturates, alcohol, or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of hypoventilation, airway obstruction, desaturation, or apnea and may contribute to profound and/or prolonged drug effect.
- midodrine
oxazepam increases and midodrine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- mirtazapine
oxazepam and mirtazapine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- modafinil
oxazepam increases and modafinil decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- morphine
oxazepam and morphine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- motherwort
oxazepam and motherwort both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- moxonidine
oxazepam and moxonidine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nabilone
oxazepam and nabilone both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nalbuphine
oxazepam and nalbuphine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- norepinephrine
oxazepam increases and norepinephrine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nortriptyline
oxazepam and nortriptyline both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- olanzapine
oxazepam and olanzapine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- oliceridine
oliceridine, oxazepam. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result if coadministered. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs in patients for whom other treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Monitor closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation.
- opium tincture
oxazepam and opium tincture both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- orphenadrine
oxazepam and orphenadrine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- oxycodone
oxazepam and oxycodone both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- oxymorphone
oxazepam and oxymorphone both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- paliperidone
oxazepam and paliperidone both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- papaveretum
oxazepam and papaveretum both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- papaverine
oxazepam and papaverine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pentazocine
oxazepam and pentazocine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pentobarbital
pentobarbital and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- perampanel
perampanel and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- perphenazine
oxazepam and perphenazine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- phendimetrazine
oxazepam increases and phendimetrazine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- phenobarbital
phenobarbital and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- phentermine
oxazepam increases and phentermine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- phenylephrine
oxazepam increases and phenylephrine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- phenylephrine PO
oxazepam increases and phenylephrine PO decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor. .
- pholcodine
oxazepam and pholcodine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pimozide
oxazepam and pimozide both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pirbuterol
oxazepam increases and pirbuterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pregabalin
pregabalin, oxazepam. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration of CNS depressants can result in serious, life-threatening, and fatal respiratory depression. Use lowest dose possible and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.
- primidone
primidone and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- prochlorperazine
oxazepam and prochlorperazine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- promethazine
promethazine and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- propofol
propofol and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- propylhexedrine
oxazepam increases and propylhexedrine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- protriptyline
oxazepam and protriptyline both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- quazepam
oxazepam and quazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- quetiapine
oxazepam and quetiapine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ramelteon
oxazepam and ramelteon both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- remimazolam
remimazolam, oxazepam. Either increases toxicity of the other by sedation. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death. Continuously monitor vital signs during sedation and recovery period if coadministered. Carefully titrate remimazolam dose if administered with opioid analgesics and/or sedative/hypnotics.
- risperidone
oxazepam and risperidone both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- salmeterol
oxazepam increases and salmeterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- scullcap
oxazepam and scullcap both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- secobarbital
secobarbital and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- sevoflurane
sevoflurane and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- shepherd's purse
oxazepam and shepherd's purse both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- stiripentol
stiripentol, oxazepam. Either increases effects of the other by sedation. Use Caution/Monitor. Concomitant use stiripentol with other CNS depressants, including alcohol, may increase the risk of sedation and somnolence.
- sufentanil
oxazepam and sufentanil both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- suvorexant
suvorexant and oxazepam both increase sedation. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Dosage adjustments of suvorexant and concomitant CNS depressants may be necessary
- tapentadol
oxazepam and tapentadol both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- teduglutide
teduglutide increases levels of oxazepam by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Teduglutide may increase absorption of concomitant PO medications; caution with with drugs requiring titration or those with a narrow therapeutic index; dose adjustment may be necessary.
- temazepam
oxazepam and temazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- terbutaline
oxazepam increases and terbutaline decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- thioridazine
oxazepam and thioridazine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- thiothixene
oxazepam and thiothixene both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- topiramate
oxazepam and topiramate both increase sedation. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- tramadol
oxazepam and tramadol both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- trazodone
oxazepam and trazodone both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- triazolam
oxazepam and triazolam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- triclofos
oxazepam and triclofos both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- trifluoperazine
oxazepam and trifluoperazine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- trimipramine
oxazepam and trimipramine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- triprolidine
triprolidine and oxazepam both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- xylometazoline
oxazepam increases and xylometazoline decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- yohimbine
oxazepam increases and yohimbine decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ziconotide
oxazepam and ziconotide both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ziprasidone
oxazepam and ziprasidone both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- zotepine
oxazepam and zotepine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
Minor (15)
- brimonidine
brimonidine increases effects of oxazepam by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Increased CNS depression.
- eucalyptus
oxazepam and eucalyptus both increase sedation. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- fleroxacin
fleroxacin increases levels of oxazepam by decreasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- gemifloxacin
gemifloxacin increases levels of oxazepam by decreasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- green tea
green tea decreases effects of oxazepam by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Caffeine component of green tea may decrease sedative effects of benzodiazepines.
- labetalol
labetalol increases effects of oxazepam by decreasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- levofloxacin
levofloxacin increases levels of oxazepam by decreasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- metoprolol
metoprolol increases effects of oxazepam by decreasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- moxifloxacin
moxifloxacin increases levels of oxazepam by decreasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- ofloxacin
ofloxacin increases levels of oxazepam by decreasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- propranolol
propranolol increases effects of oxazepam by decreasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- rifabutin
rifabutin decreases levels of oxazepam by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- sage
oxazepam and sage both increase sedation. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- vinpocetine
oxazepam increases effects of vinpocetine by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Desirable interaction enhanced memory improvement (based on preliminary trial).
- zolpidem
zolpidem, oxazepam. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Additive CNS depression.
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Sedation
Ataxia
Confusion
Memory impairment
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Muscle weakness
Syncope edema
Leukopenia, blood dyscrasias
Decreased libido
Rash
Incontinence
Menstrual irregularities
Jaundice
Blured vision; diplopia
Warnings
Black Box Warnings
Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound respiratory depression, coma, and death; administer concomitantly when there are no alternative options; limit dosages and durations to minimum required; monitor for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation
Continued use of benzodiazepines may lead to clinically significant physical dependence; longer treatment duration and higher daily dose increases risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms; rapid dose reduction or abrupt discontinuation after continued use may result in withdrawal reactions that can be life-threatening; to reduce risk of withdrawal reactions gradual taper recommended when discontinuing drug or reducing dosage
Addiction, abuse, and misuse
- On September 2020, FDA addressed serious risks of benzodiazepine addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death
- Physical dependence can occur when taken steadily for several days to weeks, even as prescribed
- Stopping abruptly or reducing dosage too quickly can result in withdrawal reactions, including seizures, which can be life-threatening
- Assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and monitor regularly for the development of these behaviors or conditions
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Cautions
Use caution in respiratory diseases (COPD), sleep apnea, depression, suicide ideation, history of drug abuse
Continued use of benzodiazepines may lead to clinically significant physical dependence; longer treatment duration and higher daily dose increases risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms; rapid dose reduction or abrupt discontinuation after continued use may result in withdrawal reactions that can be life threatening; to reduce risk of withdrawal reactions gradual taper recommended when discontinuing drug or reducing dosage
Use caution in patients with hepatic impairment, depression, respiratory disease, and debilitated and elderly patients at risk of falls and traumatic injuries
Not for use as analgesic, antipsychotic, or antidepressant
Patients should be warned that the effects of alcohol or other depressant drugs may be additive to those of oxazepam, which may require adjusting dosage or elimination of such patients
Anterograde amnesia reported with benzodiazepines
Sleep-related hazardous activities, including sleep-driving, making phone calls, cooking, and eating food reported with benzodiazepines
Hypotension reported; use caution in patients with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease or patients who do not tolerate transient decreases in blood pressure
Paradoxical reactions, including aggressive and hyperactive behavior reported with benzodiazepines, especially in pediatric/adolescent or psychiatric patients
Physical and psychological dependence
- Withdrawal symptoms, similar in character to those noted with barbiturates and alcohol, including tremor, convulsions, vomiting, abdominal and muscle cramps, and sweating reported following abrupt discontinuation of oxazepam
- Withdrawal reported to be more severe in patients who received excessive doses over extended period; milder withdrawal symptoms, including dysphoria and insomnia reported following abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines taken continuously at therapeutic levels for several months
- Avoid abrupt discontinuation after extended therapy; dosage tapering should be scheduled under careful surveillance when receiving oxazepam or other psychotropic agents because of predisposition of such patients to habituation and dependence
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: D
Lactation: Avoid during breastfeeding
Minor tranquilizers should be avoided in 1st trimester of pregnancy due to increased risk of congenital malformations
Maternal use shortly before delivery is associated with floppy infant syndrome (good and consistent evidence)
Prenatal benzodiazepine exposure slightly increased oral cleft risk (limited or inconsistent evidence)
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Binds receptors at several sites within the CNS, including the limbic system and reticular formation. Effects may be mediated through GABA receptor system. Increase in neuronal membrane permeability to chloride ions enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA; the shift in chloride ions causes hyperpolarization (less excitability) and stabilization of the nuronal membrane
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life elimination: 2.8-5.7 hr
Peak plasma time: 3 hr
Peak plasma concentration: 450 ng/mL
Metabolism: Glucuronic acid conjugation
Metabolites: No active metabolites
Protein binding: 86-99%
Excretion: Urine
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| oxazepam oral - | 30 mg capsule |  | |
| oxazepam oral - | 15 mg capsule |  | |
| oxazepam oral - | 10 mg capsule |  | |
| oxazepam oral - | 10 mg capsule |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
oxazepam oral
OXAZEPAM - ORAL
(ox-AZ-eh-pam)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Serax
WARNING: Oxazepam has a risk for abuse and addiction, which can lead to overdose and death. Taking this medication with alcohol or other drugs that can cause drowsiness or breathing problems (especially opioid medications such as codeine, hydrocodone) may cause very serious side effects, including death. To lower your risk, your doctor should have you take the smallest dose of oxazepam that works, and take it for the shortest possible time. Be sure you know how to take oxazepam and what other drugs you should avoid taking with it. See also Drug Interactions section. Get medical help right away if any of these very serious side effects occur: slow/shallow breathing, unusual lightheadedness, severe drowsiness/dizziness, difficulty waking up.Suddenly stopping this medication may cause serious (possibly fatal) withdrawal, especially if you have used it for a long time or in high doses. To prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have any withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, trouble sleeping, restlessness, hallucinations/confusion, depression, nausea, or seizures. Withdrawal symptoms may sometimes last weeks to months.
USES: Oxazepam is used to treat anxiety and also acute alcohol withdrawal. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming and an anti-seizure effect. It works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural substance in the body (GABA).This medication may also be used for sleep (insomnia)
HOW TO USE: See also Warning section.Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking oxazepam and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to therapy.When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes, trouble speaking, clumsiness, trouble walking, decreased/increased interest in sex, tremor, trouble urinating, sleep disturbances, fainting, unusual tiredness, signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever).A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking oxazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other benzodiazepines (such as diazepam, temazepam); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, lung/breathing problems (such as COPD, sleep apnea), drug or alcohol abuse.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness. This side effect can increase the risk of falling.Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using oxazepam. Oxazepam may harm an unborn baby. Newborn babies of mothers who use this medication late in pregnancy may have symptoms such as slow/shallow breathing, nonstop crying, shaking, or trouble feeding. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Warning section.Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug are: clozapine, digoxin, kava, orlistat, sodium oxybate.The risk of serious side effects (such as slow/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness/dizziness) may be increased if this medication is taken with other products that may also cause drowsiness or breathing problems. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), other drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.Smoking can decrease the effectiveness of this drug (through liver enzyme induction). Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have recently stopped smoking because your dose may need to be adjusted.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, slowed/reduced reflexes, slowed breathing, fainting, loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Sharing it is against the law.If this drug is used for an extended period of time, lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function, complete blood count) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised February 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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