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Side Effects of Oxazepam

Oxazepam, also marketed under the brand name Serax, is a tranquilizer similar to other benzodiazepine drugs such as Xanax, Valium, Ativan and Klonopin. Oxazepam is prescribed for a number of medical conditions, including anxiety, insomnia and alcohol withdrawal. All benzodiazepines are intended for short-term use and are potentially addictive. Side effects are possible.

  1. Potentially Life-Threatening Side Effects

    • Potentially life-threatening side effects with oxazepam usage are rare but can occur, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms that require immediate medical help are: black and tarry or clay-colored stools, abdominal pain, chest pain, severe coughing, dark urine, severe dizziness and fainting. Other possibly life-threatening side effects include fever, chills, severe headache, itching, light-colored stools, and sores, ulcers or white spots on the lips and mouth.

    Gastrointestinal Side Effects

    • A number of possible gastrointestinal side effects are associated with oxazepam treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic. These side effects are considered rare and if severe require medical intervention. Such side effects include: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. If vomiting of blood occurs, this is considered a medical emergency.

    Serious Emotional Side Effects

    • Serious emotional side effects requiring medical help can occur with oxazepam but are considered rare, according to the Mayo Clinic. Such symptoms are: severe forgetfulness, confusion about identity, place or time; decreased awareness of reality; a false sense of well-being, hallucinations, memory loss or serious memory problems; extreme excitement; unusual restlessness; abnormal nervousness; and severe irritability.

    Overdose

    • Overdose is a possible side effect of using oxazepam and is considered a medical emergency, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of overdose are: changes or loss of consciousness, severe drowsiness, severe weakness or dizziness, sweating, muscle pain or weakness, and loss of energy.

    Other Side Effects

    • Other side effects more common and do not require immediate medical treatment are possible, according to the Mayo Clinic. These symptoms include: decreased sexual desire, decreased sexual ability, increased sexual interest, a spinning sensation and menstrual changes.

    Precautions

    • Alcohol and other medications such as painkillers can exacerbate possible side effects of oxazepam, according to the Mayo Clinic. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take the medication. Those who have abused any drugs in the past are at a higher risk of becoming addicted to the pills and may wish to avoid the treatment or be closely monitored by a doctor.

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