Before taking oxazepam

Before taking oxazepam make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have any breathing problems.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have ever had a problem with drug or alcohol addiction.
• If you have sleep apnoea syndrome (short periods in your sleep where you stop breathing).
• If you suffer from depression, a personality disorder, psychosis or any other mental health problem.
• If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle-weakening disease) or any other muscle weakness.
• If you suffer from porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take oxazepam

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take oxazepam exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take oxazepam at the same time(s) each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, do not worry. Just take the next dose when it is due.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are taking oxazepam. It will increase the drowsiness you feel.
• Oxazepam is prescribed for short periods of time only, from 2 to 4 weeks. It should not normally be taken for longer periods of time, as this may lead to your feeling dependent on it.
• If you have already been taking oxazepam for longer than 4 weeks, check with your doctor before stopping it. It must be stopped gradually as stopping suddenly can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremor and sleeplessness.
• If you buy any medicines while you are taking oxazepam, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take together.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking oxazepam.

Can oxazepam cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store oxazepam

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Oxazepam Tablets 10 mg, 15 mg, Actavis UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2006, accessed August 2010.
• British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)