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oxazepam
Alepam‡, Apo-Oxazepam†, Murelax‡, Novoxapam†, Serax**, Serepax‡

Controlled Substance Schedule IV

Pregnancy Risk Category D

How supplied
Tablets, capsules:
10 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg

Action
Unknown. May stimulate gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in the ascending reticular activating system.

Indications & dosage
Alcohol withdrawal, severe anxiety--

Adults:
15 to 30 mg P.O. t.i.d. or q.i.d.
Mild to moderate anxiety--

Adults:
10 to 15 mg P.O. t.i.d. or q.i.d.
Elderly:
initially, 10 mg t.i.d.; increased to 15 mg t.i.d. to q.i.d.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
drowsiness, lethargy, dizziness, vertigo, headache, syncope, tremor, slurred speech, changes in EEG patterns.
CV:
edema.
GI:
nausea.
Hepatic:
hepatic dysfunction.
Skin:
rash.
Other:
altered libido.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
CNS depressants: increased CNS depression. Avoid concomitant use.
Digoxin:
may increase serum digoxin levels and risk of toxicity. Monitor patient closely.
Drug-lifestyle.
Alcohol use: increased CNS depression. Avoid concomitant use.
Smoking:
decreased effectiveness of benzodiazepines. Monitor patient closely.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug and in those with psychoses.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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