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 Oxpam (Oxazepam).
HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY
October 30, 2020
Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like prescription drugs. To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
Behavioural changes: Oxpam (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: Oxpam (Oxazepam) can suppress breathing. If you have Asthma or another breathing disorder, discuss with your doctor how Oxpam (Oxazepam) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Oxpam (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 Oxpam (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 Oxpam (Oxazepam) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Oxpam (Oxazepam), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Oxpam (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 Oxpam (Oxazepam), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Oxpam (Oxazepam) causes drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how Oxpam (Oxazepam) affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol as it can increase the drowsiness effects of Oxpam (Oxazepam).
Kidney function: The kidneys are partially responsible for removing Oxpam (Oxazepam) from the body. Decreased kidney function or Kidney Disease may cause Oxpam (Oxazepam) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Oxpam (Oxazepam) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Oxpam (Oxazepam), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: The liver is partially responsible for removing Oxpam (Oxazepam) from the body. Decreased liver function or liver disease may cause a build-up of Oxpam (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 Oxpam (Oxazepam) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Oxpam (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: Oxpam (Oxazepam) may cause symptoms of myasthenia gravis to worsen. If you have myasthenia gravis, discuss with your doctor how Oxpam (Oxazepam) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Oxpam (Oxazepam), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Seizures: Benzodiazepines, such as Oxpam (Oxazepam), may contribute to seizures, particularly if higher doses of Oxpam (Oxazepam) are taken. If you have a history of Epilepsy or medical conditions that increase the risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Oxpam (Oxazepam) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Oxpam (Oxazepam), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Oxpam (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. Oxpam (Oxazepam) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Oxpam (Oxazepam), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Oxpam (Oxazepam) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Oxpam (Oxazepam), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Oxpam (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 Oxpam (Oxazepam), Oxpam (Oxazepam) is not recommended for use by this age group.
Seniors: The sedative and impaired-coordination effects of Oxpam (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 Oxpam (Oxazepam).
