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Serax (Oxazepam) - Uses And Side Effects

Generic Name: Oxazepam - ORAL (ox-AZ-eh-pam)

BRAND NAME: Serax

What is Serax and for what Serax is used?

Serax (Oxazepam) is used as an anti-anxiety agent. It is available in generic form. A prescription is required from your physician to obtain Serax, and can be habit forming. Serax (Oxazepam) is used to treat anxiety and acute alcohol withdrawal. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect. It works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA).

Serax (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.

How to Take Serax

Serax comes as a tablet and capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken three or four times a day and may be taken with or without food. Serax can be habit-forming. If Serax (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.

Serax tablets are available in 15mgs, and capsules are available in 10, 15, 30 mgs. The initial dose can range from 15 to 60 mgs per day, increasing to a maximum of 120 mgs per day as needed. If you take this medication for 3 weeks or more, do not take yourself off of this medication.

What are the Side Effects of Serax

Some common side effects reported with Serax medicine include:

• Drowsiness or dizziness
• blurred vision, or headache may occur.
• Constipation.
• Nausea.
• fatigue
• sleepiness or insomina.
• memory loss or amnesia.
• depression.

Warnings and precautions for Serax

• Serax medication can be extremely dangerous when combined with alcohol. It may lower your blood pressure, cause slowing in breath and lead to unconsciousness.
• Do not take Serax medication if you have a past history of drug addiction, or if you are seriously depressed.
• Do not take Serax medication if you are currently breastfeeding, are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant.
• 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.
• Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Serax drug affects you.
• If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking Serax (oxazepam).
  

What drugs may interact with Serax

• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions), like phenobarbital or primidone
• caffeine
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• medicines for depression, mental problems or psychiatric disturbances
• phenytoin
• prescription pain medicines
• probenecid
  

What to do if you take Overdose of Serax medicine?

If you take overdose of Serax the seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center.

What if you miss a dose of serax?

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.

How to Store Serax

• 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.

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