Oxazepam is a prescription used for the treatment of anxiety. This type of condition is a normal and frequently healthy emotion. However, when a person regularly feels disproportionate levels of anxiety, it might become a medical disorder. This type of condition is characterized by feelings of worrying thoughts, tension, and physical changes. Here it includes an increase in blood pressure. The feelings of panic and anxiety interfere with daily activities. Several may be difficult to control, out of proportion to the actual danger, and can sometimes last longer. You may avoid situations and places to prevent these feelings. Symptoms may begin in childhood or the teen years and continue until adulthood. Here are some common signs and symptoms of anxiety:

• Having a sense of impending danger, doom, or panic
• Feeling nervous, tense, or restless
• Breathing rapidly
• Having an increased heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Feeling weak or tired
• Having trouble sleeping
• Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry

This drug may also be used to treat alcohol withdrawal. It is the name for the symptoms that occur when a heavy drinker suddenly stops or significantly lessens their alcohol intake. You may experience a combination of physical and emotional symptoms. It may be from mild anxiety and fatigue to nausea. Some symptoms are as severe as hallucinations and seizures. The signs and symptoms may appear from 6 to a few days after the last drink. These frequently include at least two of the following:

• Sweating
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• High blood pressure
• An increased heart rate
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Anxiety

This may as well be used for short-term treatment of severe anxiety associated with insomnia. It is disabling or subjecting the individual to unacceptable distress.

Oxazepam is in the class of anti-anxiety medications called a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines such as Oxazepam are effective at quickly decreasing symptoms of anxiety. This drug is used for its sedative, anxiety-relieving, and muscle-relaxing effects. Benzodiazepines help calm the individual while the mood stabilizers begin to take effect. This product comes as a tablet for oral administration. Each tablet has Oxazepam as an active ingredient. Oxazepam is available in the dosage forms of 10 mg, 15 mg, and 30 mg. In the year 1965, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this prescription.

How does Oxazepam work?

Oxazepam works by acting on receptors in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) receptors. It causes the release of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are stored in nerve cells in the brain and nervous system. They are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural nerve-calming agent. It helps keep the nerve activity in the brain in balance. it is also involved in inducing sleepiness, lessening anxiety, and relaxing muscles.

Oxazepam also works for the treatment of severe anxiety associated with insomnia by lessening the time taken to fall asleep and nocturnal awakenings. This also increases the total amount of time spent sleeping.

How to use Oxazepam?

The dosage will depend on your medical condition, age, and response to the treatment. Your doctor may start at a low dose and gradually increase it. You must take this medication exactly as it is given by your doctor. Never use it in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed.

Oxazepam is to be taken by mouth with a full glass of water. This is usually taken 3 to 4 times a day. You may take each dose with or without a meal. This medicine starts to work within 1 to 5 hours after taking a dose. However, it may take time before you see an improvement. Swallow the tablet as a whole as directed by your doctor. Do not break, crush, or chew it. To help you remember, take it at the same time and in the same way each day. Continue to take this medication even if you feel well. Do not skip doses even if you feel that you do not need them. You should not stop taking Oxazepam without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking this drug, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Let your doctor know if your condition does not improve.

What are the side effects of Oxazepam?

Common side effects:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Trouble concentrating
• Amnesia or forgetfulness
• Skin rash
• Swelling
• Slurred speech
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Irregular menstruation periods

Tell your doctor if you have unlikely but serious side effects of this drug such as:

• Clumsiness
• Mental or mood changes
• Trouble walking
• Tremor
• Sleep disturbances
• Trouble urinating

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• Weakness and slurred speech
• Aggression, anger, and confusion
• Memory problems
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Sudden ill-feeling, child, fever, or sore throat
• Feelings of extreme happiness
• Sudden restless feeling or excitement

Warnings and Precautions

• You should not share this or any of your medication with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.
• While having this treatment, limit alcoholic beverages.
• Call for medical help if you have any symptoms of an overdose.
• If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.
• Keep this drug far from heat and moisture as well as from the reach of children.

Before taking Oxazepam, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Lung or breathing problems
• Drug or alcohol abuse

Use this drug with caution in:

• Elderly people
• Weak or debilitated people
• Close angle glaucoma
• People with personality disorders or with depression
• People that use any machinery. This may cause drowsiness, muscle weakness, impaired concentration, and alertness.

This should not be used in:

• Children
• People who are allergic to other benzodiazepines
• Those with a sudden worsening of any underlying lung disease
• Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• People with abnormal muscle weakness due to the condition myasthenia gravis