Serax Side Effects

Generic Name: oxazepam

Please note - some side effects for Serax may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Side Effects of Serax - for the Consumer

Serax

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Serax:

Clumsiness; dizziness; excessive daytime drowsiness; feeling of a whirling motion; headache; lightheadedness; unsteadiness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; excitation; fainting; severe drowsiness; unusual weakness.

Side Effects by Body System

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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