Oxpam (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. Oxpam (Oxazepam) works by slowing down the speed that messages travel along the nerves in the brain (central nervous system).

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

Your doctor may have suggested Oxpam (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 Oxpam (Oxazepam), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Oxpam (Oxazepam) without consulting your doctor.

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

The recommended starting dose for adults ranges from 10 mg to 15 mg taken 3 or 4 times daily. It is important that the dose be individualized to your specific needs to avoid excessive sedation or motor impairment. Your doctor can increase the dose to as high as 30 mg 3 to 4 times daily, if necessary.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Oxpam (Oxazepam) is normally used for a short period of time or as an "as required" medication. It may be habit-forming when taken for long periods of time. If you have been taking Oxpam (Oxazepam) regularly for a long period of time (i.e., more than one month), do not stop taking the medication without first speaking with your doctor.

If Oxpam (Oxazepam) is stopped suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, nervousness, sleep problems, agitation, vomiting, restlessness, confusion, and seizures. A gradual reduction in dose is recommended when stopping Oxpam (Oxazepam) to avoid withdrawal effects.

It is important to take Oxpam (Oxazepam) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Oxpam (Oxazepam) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

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 Oxpam (Oxazepam). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Oxpam (Oxazepam) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Oxpam (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 Oxpam (Oxazepam).

10 mg
Each light yellow, scored, compressed tablet imprinted "ICN/10" contains 10 mg of Oxpam (Oxazepam).

15 mg
Each yellow, scored, compressed tablet imprinted "ICN/15" contains 15 mg of Oxpam (Oxazepam).

30 mg
Each white, scored, compressed tablet imprinted "ICN/30" contains 30 mg of Oxpam (Oxazepam).

Do not take Oxpam (Oxazepam) if you:

• are allergic to Oxpam (Oxazepam) or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to any other benzodiazepines
• have narrow-angle Glaucoma
• have Myasthenia Gravis

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

There may be an interaction between Oxpam (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 Oxpam (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.