Drugs & Vitamins

Serax Active Ingredients: Oxazepam Representative Names: Serax Available Product Images: What are oxazepam tablets or capsules? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with oxazepam? What side effects may I notice from taking oxazepam? What should I watch for while taking oxazepam? Where can I keep my medicine? What are oxazepam tablets or capsules? (Back to top) OXAZEPAM (Serax®) is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines belong to a group of medicines that slow down the central nervous system. Oxazepam relieves anxiety and nervousness, and can help patients cope with alcohol withdrawal. Federal law prohibits the transfer of oxazepam to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic oxazepam tablets and capsules are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •an alcohol or drug abuse problem •bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health condition •glaucoma •kidney disease •liver disease •lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties •myasthenia gravis •porphyria •Parkinson's disease •seizures or a history of seizures •shortness of breath •snoring •suicidal thoughts •an unusual or allergic reaction to oxazepam, other benzodiazepines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take oxazepam tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets or capsules with a drink of water. If oxazepam upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with oxazepam? (Back to top) •alcohol •barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions), like phenobarbital or primidone •caffeine •female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills •herbal or dietary supplements such as kava kava, melatonin, or valerian •medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam or triazolam •medicines for depression, mental problems or psychiatric disturbances •phenytoin •prescription pain medicines •probenecid •some medicines for colds, hay fever or other allergies •theophylline Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking oxazepam? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •confusion •depression •lightheadedness or fainting spells •mood changes, excitability or aggressive behavior •movement difficulty, staggering or jerky movements •muscle cramps •restlessness •tremors •weakness or tiredness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •difficulty sleeping, nightmares •dizziness, drowsiness, clumsiness, or unsteadiness; a "hangover" effect •headache •nausea, vomiting What should I watch for while taking oxazepam? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your body can become dependent on oxazepam, ask your prescriber or health care professional if you still need to take it. However, if you have been taking oxazepam regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get severe side effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Even after you stop taking oxazepam it can still affect your body for several days. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how oxazepam affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking oxazepam. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:02/17/2003 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.