Oxazepam

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How does it work?

Oxazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It acts on receptors in the brain (GABA receptors) causing the release of a chemical called GABA (gamma amino butyric acid). GABA is a major inhibitory chemical in the brain involved in inducing sleepiness and control of anxiety and fits. Oxazepam acts by increasing the activity of GABA, thereby reducing the functioning of certain areas of the brain. This results in a decrease in anxiety, sleepiness and relaxation of muscles. Oxazepam is most commonly used to relieve anxiety related conditions. It is not recommended for the long-term treatment of anxiety due to the development of dependence.

What is it used for?

- Anxiety (short term use)

Warning!

- This medicine is generally only suitable for short-term use. If it is used for long periods or in high doses, tolerance to and dependence upon the medicine may develop, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if treatment is stopped suddenly. For this reason, treatment with this medicine should usually be stopped gradually, following the instructions given by your doctor, in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as rebound insomnia or anxiety, confusion, sweating, tremor, loss of appetite, irritability or convulsions.

Use with caution in

- Breastfeeding
- Disease affecting the airways or lungs (respiratory disease)
- Elderly people
- History of alcoholism or drug abuse
- Kidney disease
- Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)
- Liver disease
- Muscle weakness
- Personality disorders
- Pregnancy

Not to be used in

- A sudden worsening of any underlying lung disease (acute pulmonary insufficiency)
- Abnormal muscle weakness
- Children
- Liver disease
- Long-term psychotic illness
- Phobias or obsessional states
- Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)
- Syndrome involving short spells when breathing stops during sleep
- Treatment as a single medication in depression or in anxiety with depression

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should be avoided during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the developing baby.

This is particularly important during the third trimester of pregnancy and prior to or during labour.
- This medicine passes into breast milk. It is recommended that mothers should avoid using this medicine while breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

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- This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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