Oxazepam Side Effects

Some side effects of oxazepam may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to oxazepam: oral capsule, oral tablet

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking oxazepam: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• confusion;

• unusual risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;

• hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;

• hallucinations;

• feeling lightheaded, fainting;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• problems with urination.

Less serious side effects of oxazepam may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness;

• amnesia or forgetfulness, trouble concentrating;

• slurred speech;

• swelling;

• headache;

• skin rash;

• nausea, vomiting, constipation;

• irregular menstrual periods; or

• loss of interest in sex.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to oxazepam: oral capsule, oral tablet

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects are common, particularly at higher doses. These effects include drowsiness, psychomotor retardation, decreased reaction time, lightheadedness, confusion, somnolence, perspiration, and euphoria.

Some patients have a paradoxical (disinhibition) reaction to oxazepam in the first few weeks of therapy. This reaction is usually self-limited.

Other

Other side effects have included withdrawal symptoms as a result of abrupt cessation of oxazepam. Withdrawal symptoms have included anxiety, insomnia, tremors, seizures and depression.

Withdrawal symptoms occur most commonly after prolonged therapy (6 months or more). Rare cases of withdrawal seizures have been reported in some patients after abrupt cessation of high doses. Psychological dependence on benzodiazepines may develop after prolonged administration. Patients with a history of substance abuse are particularly prone to develop psychological dependence.

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects including urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction have been reported.

Hepatic

In patients with liver disease, monitoring of liver function tests during oxazepam therapy may be helpful.

Hepatic side effects including mildly elevated liver function tests have been reported.

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects including cases of leukopenia have been reported rarely. A case of pancytopenia has also been reported.

Periodic monitoring of blood counts may be helpful.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects including diffuse exanthemas and urticaria have been reported rarely. A case of fixed drug eruptions has also been reported.

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