In general , benzodiazepines act as depressants of the CNS , producing all levels of CNS depression from mild sedation to hypnosis to coma , depending on dose . It is believed that benzodiazepines enhance or facilitate the action of gamma – aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, by causing it to bind more tightly to the GABA type A receptor . By stimulation of GABA receptor in the ascending reticular activating system , benzodiazepines increase inhibition and block both cortical and limbic arousal following stimulation of the brain stem reticular formation.

Anxiety – Oxazepam is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short – term relief of the symptoms of anxiety.
Anxiety associated with mental depression – Oxazepam is indicated for the adjunctive management of anxiety associated with mental depression.
Alcohol withdrawal – Oxazepam is indicated for the relief of acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as acute agitation , tremor , impending or acute delirium tremens , and hallucinosis.

Psychological or physical dependence and tolerance may occur with benzodiazepine use , especially with high – dose or prolonged use . Geriatric and debilitated patients, children (especially the very young ) , and patients with hepatic disease or low serum albumin are usually more sensitive to the CNS effects of benzodiazepines.
a-Those indicating need for medical attention: Antegrade amnesia ; Anxiety ; Confusion ; Mental depression ; Tachycardia/Palpitation ; Abnormal thinking including delusions , depersonalization or disorientation; Allergic reaction ; Behavior changes including bizarre behavior or decreased inhibition ; Blood dyscrasias including agranulocytosis , anemia, leukopenia , neutropenia or thrombocytopenia ; Extrapyramidal effects, dystonic ; Hepatic dysfunction ; Hypotension ; Muscle weakness ; Paradoxical reactions including agitation , aggressive behavior , hallucinations , hostility or rage , insomnia , unusual excitement , irritability or nervousness ; Seizures.
b-Those indicating need for medical attention only if they continue or are bothersome: Ataxia ; Dizziness or lightheadedness ; Drowsiness including residual daytime drowsiness when used as a hypnotic; Slurred speech ; Abdominal or stomach cramps or pain ; Blurred vision ; Changes in libido ; Constipation ; Diarrhea ; Dryness of mouth or increased thirst ; Euphoria ; Headache ; Increased bronchial secretion or excessive salivation ; Muscle spasm ; Nausea or vomiting ; Problems with urination ; Tremor; Unusual tiredness or weakness.
c– Those indicating possible withdrawal and the need for medical attention if they occur after medication is discontinued: Insomnia ; Irritability ; Nervousness ; Abdominal or stomach cramps ; Confusion ; Depersonalization ; Increased sweating ; Mental depression ; Muscle cramps ; Nausea or vomiting ; Perceptual disturbances including hyperacusis , hypersensitivity to touch and pain , paresthesia or photophobia ; Tachycardia ; Tremor ; Convulsions ; Delirium ; Hallucinations ; Paranoid symptoms.

Hypersensitivity to oxazepam or any component of the formulation (cross- sensitivity with other benzodiazepines may also exist) ; Narrow – angle glaucoma ; Pregnancy.

Risk – benefit should be considered when the following medical problems exist: Acute alcohol intoxication with depressed vital signs ; History of drug abuse or dependence ; Hepatic function impairment ; Hyperkinesis ; Hypoalbuminemia ; Severe mental depression ; Myasthenia gravis ; Organic brain disorders ; Psychoses ; Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ; Renal function impairment ; Established or suspected sleep apnea ; Swallowing abnormality in children. Oxazepam may cause hypotension (rare) ; therefore , use with caution in patients with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease , or in patients who would not tolerate transient decreases in blood pressure . Patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg , operating machinery or driving) . Benzodiazepines have been associated with falls and traumatic injury and should be used with extreme caution in patients who are at risk of these events (especially the elderly ).

Prolonged concurrent use with addictive medications , especially CNS depressants with habituating potential may increase the risk of habituation ; caution is recommended . Use of alcohol during treatment with a benzodiazepine is not recommended because potentiation of CNS depressant effects and increasing of the risk of apnea . Caution is recommended when another CNS depression- producing medication is used with a benzodiazepine , and dosage of one or both agents should be reduced . When a benzodiazepine is used with an opioid analgesic , the dosage of the opioid analgesic should be reduced by at least one third and administered in small increments . Carbamazepine concentrarions may be increased during concurrent use with a benzodiazepines ; monitoring of carbamazepine blood concentration as a guide to dosage is recommended. Collapse , sometimes accompanied by respiratory depression or arrest , has been reported in a few patients receiving clozapine concurrently with benzodiazepines. Concurrent use with benzodiazepines may decrease the therapeutic effects of levodopa. Concurrent use with benzodiazepines may decrease the clearance of zidovudine ; the toxicity of zidovudine potentially could be increased . Concurrent use with probenecid may result increased effects and possibly excessive sedation of oxazepam . Theophylline and other CNS stimulants may antagonize the sedative effects of oxazepam.

Respiratory and cardiovascular status