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Oxazepam

  • This medicine is generally only suitable for short-term use.
  • Treatment with this medicine should usually be stopped gradually, following the instructions given by your doctor.
  • Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness.
  • Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.

About oxazepam

Type of medicine Benzodiazepine
Used for Anxiety (feelings of worry)
Also called  
Available as Tablets

Oxazepam acts on receptors in the brain causing the release of a chemical called GABA (gamma amino butyric acid). GABA is involved in making you sleepy and controlling feelings of worry. Oxazepam increases the activity of GABA, and so makes you feel more sleepy and reduces the feelings of worry.

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 diseases of the lung, kidneys or liver.
  • If you suffer from sleep apnoea (where you stop breathing whilst asleep).
  • If you suffer from any mental illness such as obsessions, phobias (irrational fears), schizophrenia, depression or anxiety.
  • If you have a history of alcoholism or drug abuse.
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness).
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a hereditary disease affecting the liver or bone marrow).

How to take oxazepam

  • This medicine is generally only suitable for short-term use.
  • If it is used for long periods or in high doses, tolerance and dependence upon the medicine may develop, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if treatment is stopped suddenly.
  • Treatment with this medicine should usually be stopped gradually, following the instructions given by your doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored.

Can oxazepam cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Drowsiness, confusion Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness
Low mood, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, sweating and diarrhoea You may have stopped taking the tablets too quickly- these are typical withdrawal symptoms
Speak to your doctor
Confusion, delusions (false beliefs strongly held), hallucinations and fits You may have been taking a large dose and stopped taking the tablets suddenly

How to store oxazepam

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

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
1438		 DocRef:
dils2048		 Last Updated:
30 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
29 Oct 2008		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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