Perhaps your doctor has prescribed Oxazepam for anxiety, to control symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, or for another neurological problem. It's normal to have a lot of questions when you take this medication. "What does this actually do?", "Is this safe?", "What should I know?" You may be wondering. Don't worry, today we'll talk about this medication in a simple way that you can understand.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Oxazepam is a drug that calms your nervous system. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Think about it, sometimes our minds and nervous systems get unnecessarily agitated and overactive. Just like controlling the speed of a speeding car, this drug reduces that unnecessary agitation and restlessness in your nervous system, bringing calmness and relaxation to the mind and body.
This is mainly used for:
- Treat anxiety conditions.
- Control alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is very important for your doctor to know your complete medical history before prescribing this medication. This is because some medical conditions require special care when using this medication. Be sure to tell them about the following in particular:
- If you have kidney disease or liver disease .
- If you are currently being treated for another mental health condition (e.g. depression).
- If you have had or currently have a substance use disorder.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to Oxazepam or other Benzodiazepine medications, foods, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant , this is very important.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your child .
Giving this information to your doctor will greatly help him choose the safest treatment option for you.
How should I use this medicine?
Be aware of these points when using this medicine.
- Take this medicine with a glass of water. Always take the dose prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
- Most importantly, do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause severe reactions. If you need to stop, your doctor will tell you how to safely reduce your dose gradually.
- What if you drink too much? (Overdosage): If you accidentally drink more than the prescribed dose, it is an emergency. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
- This medicine is for you only: This medicine has been prescribed for your health condition only. Therefore, never share your medicine with others.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Oxazepam can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, while others are mild. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Decreased activity of the central nervous system (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, loss of consciousness, severe dizziness, confusion. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Drowsiness | This condition may persist until the body gets used to the medication. |
| Dizziness | When getting up from sitting or sleeping, get up slowly. |
| Headache | It usually subsides within a few days. |
Special things to be careful about while taking the medicine
Driving and drinking alcohol
This medicine may make you feel sleepy, dizzy, and affect your ability to make decisions . Therefore, avoid driving, working at heights, or operating machinery until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
Most importantly: Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking Oxazepam. The combination of alcohol and this medication can cause very serious side effects, including extreme drowsiness, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.
Drug addiction and cessation
When you use this medicine for a long time, your body and brain can become somewhat accustomed to it, that is, dependent on it. This is something that can happen even if you take it as your doctor says. That is why you should not stop taking it suddenly without your doctor's advice.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. This medicine can cause serious birth defects in an unborn baby. Also, if you are a breastfeeding mother, it is important to discuss this with your doctor and make an appropriate decision.
Behavioral changes
If you or your family notice any unusual changes in your behavior, such as increasing depression, thoughts of self-harm, increased anxiety, or memory loss, notify your doctor immediately.
Interactions with other medications
Oxazepam can cause dangerous reactions when taken with certain other medications. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products).
You should be especially careful when taking Oxazepam with these types of medications:
- Opioid medications for pain or cough.
- Alcohol.
- Antihistamines for allergies, coughs, and colds.
- Other medications for anxiety or sleep.
- Some medications for depression (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine).
- Medicines for seizures.
- Medicines given to relax muscles during surgery.
How do you store and dispose of medicine?
- Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets .
- This medicine has the potential to be abused, so protect it from theft.
- When disposing of expired or unused medications, mix them with cat litter or coffee grounds and place them in a tightly sealed container. This will help prevent them from being ingested by other people or animals.
Take-Home Message
- Oxazepam is a medication that calms your nervous system and treats conditions like anxiety.
- Before starting this, tell your doctor your complete health history, especially pregnancy.
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed. Never stop taking it suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking the medication. Be careful when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving.
- If you notice difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, or severe changes in behavior, seek medical advice immediately.
- Keep medication safely out of the reach of children and pets.
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