Uses

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

• What is a safe dose of this drug?
  • Mild to moderate anxiety: 10 mg to 15 mg is administered orally three to four times a day or as required.
  • Severe anxiety or anxiety associated with depression: 15 mg to 30 mg orally is administered three to four times a day or as required.
  • Alcohol withdrawal: 15 mg to 30 mg is administered orally three to four times a day or as required.
• How does my body process this drug?
  This drug is well-absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. It reaches a maximum plasma concentration in about two to four hours. It has a slow onset of action, taking more than three hours to take effect. Serax undergoes hepatic metabolism (glucuronidation) and has no active metabolites. It has a half-life of about 8 hours (ranging between about six to 11 hours) after which it is eliminated via urine.
• Is this drug safe to take during pregnancy?
  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not officially assigned this medication to a pregnancy category, although that does not indicate it is safe to use during pregnancy. This drug, and other benzodiazepines, has been associated with an increased risk of birth defects when used during the first trimester. Serax, in particular, increases risk to the fetus during the third trimester of pregnancy. Alternative treatments should be considered for pregnant mothers before using this drug and a thorough assessment should be performed between you and your doctor to determine if the risks are worth the benefits this drug may bring.
• Are there ways to get more out of my treatment with this drug?
  This drug is primarily prescribed to treat anxiety, a condition that is regularly addressed with different types of psychotherapies. If you are prescribed this drug, consider finding a therapist or counselor with whom you can pair your treatment. Many studies indicate the best mental health outcomes often result from a combined approach to treatment using medication and psychotherapy.