Breakthrough Addiction Recovery: Serenid

Serenid is a trademark name of oxazepam.

oxazepam


Oxazepam
Systematic ( IUPAC) name
9-chloro-4-hydroxy-6-phenyl- 2,5-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undeca- 5,8,10,12-tetraen-3-one
Identifiers
CAS number	604-75-1
ATC code	N05 BA04
PubChem	4616
DrugBank	APRD01152
Chemical data
Formula	C₁₅ H₁₁ Cl N₂ O₂
Mol. mass	286.71
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	95.5%
Metabolism	Hepatic
Half life	4-15 hours
Excretion	Renal
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status	Schedule IV(US)
Routes	Oral

Oxazepam (marketed under brand names Alepam, Murelax, Oxascand, Serax, Serepax, Seresta, Sobril) is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative. It possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties.

Pharmacology

Oxazepam is an active metabolite formed during the breakdown of diazepam, nordazepam, and certain similar drugs. Oxazepam may be safer than many other benzodiazepines in patients with impaired liver function because it does not require hepatic oxidation, but rather it is simply metabolized via glucuronidation. This means that oxazepam is less likely to accumulate and cause adverse reactions in the elderly or people with liver disease. Oxazepam is similar to lorazepam in this respect. (1)

Indications

It is an intermediate acting benzodiazepine with a slow onset of action, so it is usually prescribed to individuals who have trouble staying asleep, rather than falling asleep. It is commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders with associated tension, irritability, and agitation. It is also prescribed for drug and alcohol withdrawal, and for anxiety associated with depression.

Dosage

Mild/moderate anxiety - 10 to 15mg, 3 to 4 times daily
Severe anxiety - 15 to 30mg, 3 to 4 times daily
Symptoms related to alcohol withdrawal - 15 to 30mg, 3 to 4 times daily

Availability

In the United Kingdom, oxazepam is available generically in the form of 10mg, 15mg and 30mg tablets.

Side effects

The side effects of oxazepam are similar in nature to those of other benzodiazepines.

Side effects from oxazepam are common and include: drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, weakness, dry mouth, diarrhea, upset stomach, changes in appetite, heart palpitations, anxiety, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, angry outbursts, trouble sleeping, tremors

Internal tremors have been alleviated by using 15mg of oxazepam as required, usually approximately four hourly.

Interactions

As oxazepam is an active metabolite of diazepam, there is likely an overlap in possible interactions with other drugs or food. Take serious precautions when dosing with Oxazepam (any benozodiazepines) in combinations with serious pain killers (Opiates). Does not mix well with alcohol, can intensify the feeling of intoxication, and lead to enhanced stupor.