Oxazepam helps relieve anxiety, especially if it is accompanied by problems sleeping also known as insomnia.
This medicine may also be used to relieve the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Take Oxazepam exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine may be taken with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Do not take Oxazepam for a longer period of time than instructed by your doctor. See your doctor if this medicine does not seem to help you.
If you are taking Oxazepam over a certain period of time, do not stop taking this medicine suddenly as this may worsen your condition. Your doctor may want to reduce the dose of Oxazepam gradually before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe lung disease
- long-term mood disorder or other mental illness
- myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder)
- sleep apnoea (a sleep disorder wherein the person's breathing is interrupted during sleep)
as Oxazepam may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- depression or history of depression
- glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Oxazepam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred or double vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: difficulty remembering, tremor, nausea and tiredness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- yellowing of the skin, eyes, pain near the stomach area
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other sleeping pills
- medicines to treat TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. zidovudine, ritonavir
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin
- valproic acid (medicine for mood disorder)
- medicines for Parkinson's disease (a brain disease that affects movement) e.g. levodopa
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Oxazepam.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.