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Oxazepam

Also indexed as: Serax®

Oxazepam is used to treat symptoms of anxiety, such as worry, restlessness, and insomnia; symptoms that occur during alcohol withdrawal; and agitation and irritability in elderly individuals. Oxazepam is in a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements —

Vinpocetine
In a preliminary trial, an extract of periwinkle called vinpocetine was shown to produce minor improvements in short-term memory among people taking flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine.1 Further study is needed to determine if vinpocetine would be a helpful adjunct to use of benzodiazepines, or oxazepam specifically.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Controlled studies have shown that eating diets low in calories, protein, and carbohydrates can reduce the elimination of oxazepam from the body and increase the amount of time it remains in the blood.2 3 On the other hand, research indicates that certain foods, such as Brussels sprouts and cabbage, might reduce blood levels of oxazepam and increase the removal of the drug.4 Further research is needed to determine whether certain foods and diets can result in significant changes in the effectiveness or safety of oxazepam.

Alcohol
Drinking alcoholic beverages with oxazepam can increase side effects of the drug, such as drowsiness, fatigue, and light-headedness.5 Therefore, alcohol should be avoided by people taking oxazepam, especially when staying alert is necessary.

Smoking
Cigarette smoking can significantly increase the elimination of oxazepam from the body.6 Problems might occur if people either start or stop smoking while taking oxazepam. Individuals who stop smoking may experience increased side effects, while those who start smoking may notice that the drug is less effective.

Summary of Interactions for Oxazepam

Depletion or interference None known
Adverse interaction Alcohol
Smoking
Side effect reduction/prevention None known
Supportive interaction Vinpocetine*
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability None known

For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

References:

1. Bhatti JZ, Hindmarch I. Vinpocetine effects on cognitive impairments produced by flunitrazepam. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 1987;2:325–31.

2. Sonne J. Factors and conditions affecting the glucuronidation of oxazepam. Pharmacol Toxicol 1993;73 Suppl 1:1–23.

3. Hamberg O, Ovesen L, Dorfeldt A, et al. The effect of dietary energy and protein deficiency on drug metabolism. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1990;38:567–70.

4. Pantuck EJ, Pantuck CB, Anderson KE, et al. Effect of Brussels sprouts and cabbage on drug conjugation. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1984;35:161–9.

5. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Psychotherapeutic Drugs, Antianxiety Agents, Benzodiazepines. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1255–69.

6. Ochs HR, Greenblatt DJ, Otten H. Disposition of oxazepam in relation to age, sex, and cigarette smoking. Klin Wochenschr 1981;59:899–903.