Serax (oxazepam) is an antianxiety medication usually prescribed for short periods of time to help ease symptoms of anxiety. It also helps to relieve sleeplessness caused by being anxious. Oxazepam is the metabolite of several other benzodiazepines.

Additionally, Serax is useful for treating conditions such as depression, insomnia, psychosis, suppression of transplant rejection, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice for alcohol dependence and alcohol withdrawal.

How Does Serax Work?

This drug affects the limbic, thalamic, and hypothalamic levels of the central nervous system, which results in anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, skeletal muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects. The effects of this medication inhibit the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutryic acid, or GABA.

Serax produces skeletal muscle relaxation by inhibiting spinal polysynaptic afferent pathways together with inhibition of monosynaptic afferent pathways. This is achieved by inhibiting neuronal transmitters or by blocking excitatory synaptic transmission. This medication also depresses motor nerve and muscle function.

Dosage FAQs

Drug Interactions of Serax

This medication, like many other benzodiazepines, has several important drug interactions of which to be aware. If you are prescribed this medication, be sure to disclose all other medications, supplements, and vitamins you take before beginning treatment. The following drug interactions may occur:

Additionally, the following drugs may affect the metabolism of Serax and/or increase the risk of toxicity if administered with Serax:

Possible Side Effects

If you experience any of the following side effects while taking this medication, please consult with your doctor right away:

Precautions

Serax is contraindicated for individuals experiencing:

Additionally, tablets of this drug contain tartrazine dye which may cause allergic reactions. Individuals using this drug should have their liver and kidneys tested regularly.

Safe Withdrawal from Serax

In general, the longer a person takes this drug and the higher the dose, the greater incidence and severity with which he or she will experience withdrawal symptoms. Most withdrawal symptoms associated with Serax can be compared to alcohol withdrawal. If you need to stop taking this medication, you should consult with your doctor and come up with a safe plan to taper down your dosage. Do not stop taking this medication abruptly.

References:

  1. Busto U, Kaplan HL, Sellers EM (February 1980). "Benzodiazepine-associated emergencies in Toronto". American Journal of Psychiatry 137 (2): 224–7. PMID 6101526.
  2. MacKinnon GL; Parker WA. (1982). "Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome: a literature review and evaluation". The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. 9 (1): 19–33. doi:10.3109/00952998209002608. PMID 6133446.
  3. Skerritt JH; Johnston GA. (May 6, 1983). "Enhancement of GABA binding by benzodiazepines and related anxiolytics". European Journal of Pharmacology. 89 (3–4): 193–8. doi:10.1016/0014-2999(83)90494-6. PMID 6135616.

Page content reviewed by James Pendleton, ND.