Oxazepam (Brand Name: Seresta) belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. Oxazepam affects brain chemicals that can become unbalanced and cause anxiety.
Seresta Comes in Two Strengths
Seresta 10 mg
Seresta 50 mg
Oxazepam (Seresta) is used to that
- Treat anxiety, including anxiety caused by alcohol withdrawal (symptoms that can occur in people who stop drinking after prolonged alcohol use).
Do not drive or use heavy machinery until you know how Oxazepam affects you.
This medicine is not suitable for the treatment of depressive states.
Do not stop taking Seresta abruptly or without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Seresta Side effects
Common side effects include oxazepam
- Fatigue,
- Weakness,
- Dry mouth,
- Abdominal pain.
- Blurry vision
- Drowsiness and
- Dizziness
- Chest pain (rare)
- Chills (rare)
- Cough (rare)
- Dark urine (rare)
- Clay-colored chairs (rare)
- Bright chair (rare)
- Loss of appetite (rare)
Precautions
Tell your doctor before taking Seresta, if you are allergic to it; or to diazepam or temazepam; or if you have other allergies
Before taking Seresta, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially about
- Liver disease,
- Kidney disease,
- Lung / respiratory problems (eg, COPD, sleep apnea),
- Drug or alcohol abuse.
This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Alcohol or marijuana can make you feel dizzy or drowsy.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness. This side effect can increase the risk of falling.
Seresta in Pregnancy and Lactation
The use of this medication during pregnancy is not recommended, as it can be harmful to the fetus. If you become pregnant or think you are pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Consult your doctor for more details.
Seresta passes into breast milk and may have unwanted effects on the baby. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Seresta Mechanism
Oxazepam is a central action CNS depressant with an effect similar to diazepam. Its mechanism of action seems to be through potentiation of the effects mediated by the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor in the CNS. Oxazepam is one of the active metabolites of diazepam.
It exerts its anxiolytic effect by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on GABA-A receptors through a cooperative mechanism of action.
When activated with GABA, the receptor/ionophore complex of GABA chloride undergoes a conformational change allowing the passage of chloride ions through the channel.
Seresta exerts its effect by increasing the effect of GABA on its receptor. Binding of benzodiazepine increases the conductivity of chloride in the presence of GABA by increasing the rate at which the channel opens.
Interaction
Interactions with other medications can alter the effects of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. This document does not cover all possible drug interactions.
If you are taking Seresta with other medicines that make you sleepy or slow your breathing, it can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, a narcotic pain reliever, a prescription cough syrup, a muscle relaxant, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Seresta as this can cause serious side effects.
Other medications may interact with oxazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about the medicines you use now and the medicines you use or no longer use.
Seresta Dosage
Adults:
- The dose for anxiety is 15-30 mg three or four times a day.
- The dose for insomnia associated with anxiety is usually 15 to 25 mg per hour before retirement. If necessary, this can be increased to a maximum of 50 mg.
- Dosage for elderly patients and those who are particularly sensitive to benzodiazepines: 10-20 mg three or four times a day.
- Dosage for children: Not recommended for children.