Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Oxazepam. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Oxazepam with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Oxazepam. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• blurred vision or other changes in vision
• changes in sexual desire or ability
• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• Constipation
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• false sense of well-being
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• problems with urination
• trembling
• trouble sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abnormal thinking (disorientation, delusions, or loss of sense of reality)
• agitation
• anxiety
• behavioural changes, including:
• aggressiveness
• bizarre behaviour
• decreased inhibition
• angry outbursts
• confusion
• hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren’t there)
• lack of memory
• nightmares or vivid dreams
• signs of breathing problems such as shallow, irregular breathing, or slow or troubled breathing
• signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• signs of infection (symptoms may include Fever or chills, severe Diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• symptoms of Low Blood Pressure (e.g., fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, increased thirst, nausea)
• slowed heart rate
• slurred speech
• slowed responses to stimuli
• skin rash or itching
• swelling ankles or feet
• unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• convulsions (seizures)
• signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort
• uncontrolled movements of body, including the eyes

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Oxazepam.

10 mg
Each pale yellow, round, flat-faced, scored tablet engraved “R” over “10” on one side contains 10 mg of oxazepam. Nonmedicinal ingredients: D & C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and starch.

15 mg
Each orange-yellow, round, flat-faced, scored tablet engraved “R” over “15” on one side contains 15 mg of oxazepam. Nonmedicinal ingredients: D & C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and starch.

30 mg
Each white, round, flat-faced, scored tablet engraved “R” over “30” on one side contains 30 mg of oxazepam. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and starch.

Do not take oxazepam if you:

• are allergic to oxazepam or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to any other benzodiazepines
• have narrow-angle Glaucoma
• have Myasthenia Gravis

Do not give Oxazepam to children less than 6 years old.

There may be an interaction between oxazepam and any of the following:

• alcohol
• anesthetics
• anticonvulsants (e.g., Carbamazepine, Gabapentin, Lamotrigine, lamotrigine, Phenytoin)
• antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, Dimenhydrinate, Diphenhydramine, Hydroxyzine)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Haloperidol, Quetiapine, Olanzapine, Risperidone)
• azelastine
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, Phenobarbital)
• benzodiazepines (e.g., Alprazolam, Diazepam, Lorazepam)
• brimonidine
• Buspirone
• chloral hydrate
• efavirenz
• Entacapone
• kava kava
• Methadone
• Mirtazapine
• monoamine oxidase inhinbitors (M.O.S. e.g., Tranylcypromine, Phenelzine, Moclobemide)
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs; e.g., moclobemide, phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• muscle relaxants (e.g., Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine)
• Nabilone
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Fentanyl, Codeine, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• Pramipexole
• Ropinirole
• Rotigotine
• Rufinamide
• St. John's wort
• scopolamine
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Sertraline)
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
• thalidomide
• theophyllines (e.g., aminophylline, oxtriphylline, theophylline)
• tolcapone
• Tramadol
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Desipramine, Imipramine)
• valerian
• Yohimbine
• Zolpidem
• Zopiclone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Oxazepam. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Oxazepam.

Behavioural changes: Oxazepam, like other benzodiazepines, is known to cause changes in behavior. If you notice changes in behaviour, such as aggressiveness, angry outbursts, unusual excitement or irritability, disorientation or confusion, speak with your doctor as soon as possible.

Breathing: Oxazepam can suppress breathing. If you have Asthma or another breathing disorder, discuss with your doctor how Oxazepam may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Oxazepam, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Dependence and withdrawal: Physical dependence (a need to take regular doses to prevent physical symptoms) has been associated with benzodiazepines such as oxazepam. Severe withdrawal symptoms may occur if the dose is significantly reduced or suddenly discontinued. Symptoms can include irritability, nervousness, sleep problems, agitation, tremors, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, memory impairment, headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, confusion, and seizures. Reducing the dose gradually under medical supervision can help prevent or decrease these withdrawal symptoms.

Depression: Benzodiazepines have been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Oxazepam may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Oxazepam, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Oxazepam is not recommended for people with severe depression.

If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Oxazepam, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Oxazepam causes drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how Oxazepam affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol as it can increase the drowsiness effects of Oxazepam.

Kidney function: The kidneys are partially responsible for removing oxazepam from the body. Decreased kidney function or Kidney Disease may cause Oxazepam to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Oxazepam may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Oxazepam, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: The liver is partially responsible for removing oxazepam from the body. Decreased liver function or liver disease may cause a build-up of oxazepam in the body, leading to side effects even when it is taken at normal doses. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Oxazepam may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Oxazepam, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Myasthenia gravis: Oxazepam may cause symptoms of myasthenia gravis to worsen. If you have myasthenia gravis, discuss with your doctor how Oxazepam may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Oxazepam, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Seizures: Benzodiazepines, such as oxazepam, may contribute to seizures, particularly if higher doses of Oxazepam are taken. If you have a history of Epilepsy or medical conditions that increase the risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Oxazepam may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Oxazepam, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Oxazepam crosses the placenta during pregnancy and may affect the unborn baby. The use of other medications in this class has been linked to problems for the infant after birth. Oxazepam should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Oxazepam, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if oxazepam passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Oxazepam, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Oxazepam have not been established for children younger than 6 years of age. Appropriate doses for children and adolescents 6 to 18 years have not been determined. Because children are more likely to experience behavioural changes when taking oxazepam, Oxazepam is not recommended for use by this age group.

Seniors: The sedative and impaired-coordination effects of oxazepam may affect seniors more than others. Extra caution is needed, for example, when getting up during the night. Seniors may require lower doses of Oxazepam.

Oxazepam belongs to the class of medications called benzodiazepines. It is used for the short-term relief of the symptoms of excessive anxiety and tension experienced with Anxiety Disorders. It may also be used to control symptoms, such as agitation, caused by alcohol withdrawal. Oxazepam works by slowing down the speed that messages travel along the nerves in the brain (central nervous system).

Oxazepam may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Oxazepam may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Oxazepam may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Oxazepam for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Oxazepam, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Oxazepam without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Oxazepam to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Oxazepam if their doctor has not prescribed it.