Oxazepam Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 16, 2024.

Applies to oxazepam: oral capsule.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine is for short-term use only, which is generally considered less than 4 months. If your condition does not improve or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine may cause some people, especially older persons, to become drowsy, dizzy, lightheaded, clumsy, unsteady, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or able to think or see well.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. CNS depressants are medicines that slow down the nervous system, which may cause drowsiness or make you less alert. Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, allergies, or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, barbiturates or medicine for seizures, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics (numbing medicines), including some dental anesthetics. This effect may last for a few days after you Stop taking oxazepam. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine.

Do not Stop taking oxazepam without checking with your doctor first. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely. This may help prevent a worsening of your condition and reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations, nausea or vomiting, seizures, stomach or muscle cramps, tremors, sweating, or unusual behavior.

This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.

Symptoms of an overdose include: blurred vision, change in consciousness, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, loss of consciousness, loss of strength or energy, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, shakiness and unsteady walk, sleepiness or unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness or feeling of sluggishness, sweating, or unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination. Call your doctor right away if you notice these symptoms.

Serious side effects of oxazepam

Along with its needed effects, oxazepam may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking oxazepam:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking oxazepam:

Symptoms of overdose

• blurred vision
• change in consciousness
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• drowsiness
• loss of consciousness
• loss of strength or energy
• muscle pain or weakness
• shakiness and unsteady walk
• sweating
• unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
• unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

Other side effects of oxazepam

Some side effects of oxazepam may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to oxazepam: oral capsule, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were drowsiness, headache, and fatigue.^[Ref]

Other

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Edema
• Frequency not reported: Fever, fatigue^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Altered libido
• Frequency not reported: Incontinence, urinary retention, menstrual irregularities^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Jaundice, hepatic impairment
• Frequency not reported: Increased liver enzymes^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Leukopenia
• Frequency not reported: Blood dyscrasias (including agranulocytosis)^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Hypotension^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Minor diffuse skin rashes (morbilliform, urticarial and maculopapular)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Rare (less than 0.1%):Nausea
• Frequency not reported: Salivation changes, gastrointestinal disorders^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Slurred speech, tremor, ataxia
• Frequency not reported: Drowsiness, amnesia, anterograde amnesia, reduced alertness, dizziness, light-headedness, vertigo, headache, syncope, dysarthria, changes in EEG pattern, stupor, memory impairment^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Muscle weakness^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, diplopia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Lethargy
• Frequency not reported: Disorientation, nightmares, mild excitatory effects with stimulation of affect, numbed emotions, restlessness, agitation, irritability, delusions, rages, psychoses, inappropriate behavior, behavioral adverse effects (including paradoxical aggressive outbursts), excitement, hallucinations, uncovering of depression with suicidal tendencies, withdrawal symptoms (including persistent tinnitus, involuntary movements, paresthesia, perceptual changes, confusion, convulsions, muscle cramps, abdominal cramps, vomiting), aggression, euphoria^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Oxazepam side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer