$Unique_ID{BRK03263}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{oxazepam}
$Subject{Serax Wyeth-Ayerst Benzodiazepine sedative/hypnotic oxazepam anxiety
depression alcohol withdrawal depressant central nervous system brain spinal
cord nervousness}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Serax*0326301.scf}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


oxazepam
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Serax (Wyeth-Ayerst)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Benzodiazepine sedative/hypnotic

INGREDIENT

     oxazepam

DOSAGE FORMS

     Capsules (10 mg, 15 mg, and 30 mg)
     Tablets (15 mg)

STORAGE

     This medication should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
light-resistant container.

USES

     Oxazepam is prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety and sometimes to
treat anxiety associated with depression or alcohol withdrawal.  It is not
clear exactly how this medicine works, but this medication may relieve anxiety
by acting as a depressant of the central nervous system (brain and spinal
cord).  Oxazepam is currently used by many people to relieve nervousness.
This medication is very effective for this purpose when used for short
periods, however it is important to attempt to remove the cause of the anxiety
as well.

TREATMENT

     This medication should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor.  It
can be taken with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs.  Do
not take oxazepam with a dose of antacids, since they may slow its absorption.
     If you are taking this drug regularly and you miss a dose, take the
missed dose immediately if remembered within an hour.  If more than an hour
has passed, skip the dose you missed and wait for the next scheduled dose.  Do
not double the dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Bitter taste in the mouth, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness,
drowsiness (after a night's sleep), dry mouth, excessive salivation, fatigue,
flushing, headache, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness,
sweating, or vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as your body
adjusts to the medication.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     Dry mouth can be relieved by chewing sugarless gum or by sucking on ice
chips.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred or double vision, chest pain, difficulty in urinating, fainting,
falling, fever, hallucinations, joint pain, mouth sores, nightmares,
palpitations, rash, severe depression, shortness of breath, slurred speech,
sore throat, uncoordinated movements, unusual excitement, unusual tiredness,
or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Oxazepam interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. To prevent oversedation, this drug should not be taken with alcohol,
other sedative drugs, or central nervous system depressants (such as
antihistamines, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, pain medicines, narcotics,
medicines for seizures, and phenothiazine tranquilizers) or with
antidepressants.
     2. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of carbamazepine,
levodopa, and oral anticoagulants (blood thinners) and may increase the
effects of phenytoin.
     3. Disulfiram and isoniazid can increase the blood levels of oxazepam,
which can lead to toxic effects.
     4. Concurrent use of rifampin may decrease the effectiveness of oxazepam.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to oxazepam or other benzodiazepine tranquilizers
(such as alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, diazepam, flurazepam,
halazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, prazepam, temazepam, or triazolam).
     * Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney, liver, or lung disease;
epilepsy; myasthenia gravis; porphyria; or mental illness or depression.
     * This medicine can cause drowsiness.  Avoid tasks that require mental
alertness, such as driving a car or using potentially dangerous machinery.
     * Oxazepam has the potential for abuse and must be used with caution.
Tolerance may develop quickly; do not increase the dosage without first
consulting your doctor.  It is also important not to stop taking this drug
suddenly if you have been taking it in large amounts, or if you have used it
for several weeks.  Your doctor may want to reduce the dosage gradually.
     * This is a safe drug when used properly.  When it is combined with other
sedative drugs or alcohol, however, serious side effects can develop.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  This medicine may
increase the chance of birth defects if it is taken during the first three
months of pregnancy.  Too much use of this medicine during the last six months
of pregnancy may cause the baby to become dependent on it.  Use of this
medicine during the last weeks of pregnancy may cause unwanted side effects in
the newborn.  Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.  Oxazepam may pass
into breast milk and cause unwanted side effects in the nursing infant.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.