In a world that seems to move at a mile a minute, it makes sense that countless people regularly struggle with anxiety. In many cases, diagnosed individuals will be prescribed benzodiazepines to aid them in managing symptoms. An example of this is oxazepam, which, like its counterparts, can result in cases of tolerance development, addiction, and overdose. Banyan Treatment Center is going over the symptoms of oxazepam withdrawal and the dangers of attempting to detox from benzodiazepines by themselves.
What Is Oxazepam?
Oxazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine that is effective in treating a variety of conditions and symptoms, including anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawals, and tension. It is taken orally and in capsule form, where it is available in 10 mg, 15 mg, or 30 mg. It is also made as a 15 mg tablet.1 The brand name of oxazepam is Serax, and it is available by prescription only.
This medication is also helpful in managing several other disorders outside of those it is marketed for, such as:1
- PTSD
- Insomnia
- Catatonia
- Sleep terrors
- Social anxiety disorder
As with most substances, this drug can result in several side effects that range in severity. Call your doctor to discuss if a particular effect does not resolve itself or continues to worsen. Common side effects can include blurred vision, constipation, drowsiness, and changes to the user’s appetite or sex drive. There are also effects listed in the most important warning section of a prescription and should be addressed by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Serious oxazepam side effects can include2
- Fever
- Inability to walk straight
- Difficulty breathing
- Sporadic heart rate
- Yellow discoloration of skin and eyes
- Severe rash
Call 911 if symptoms persist or worsen. It is also important to consider that someone who takes oxazepam for an extended period is at risk for developing withdrawal symptoms upon stopping use.
Oxazepam Withdrawal Symptoms
When taking a drug for an extended period, it is possible for the biological functions that the medication alters to become reliant on the substance’s presence. Then if the drug is removed, the imbalanced brain chemistry it leaves behind can result in several troubling withdrawal symptoms that can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening.
Symptoms of oxazepam withdrawal include:
- Hypertension
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Panic attacks
- Spasms and tremors
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hallucinations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
There are several factors that can contribute to the length and severity of a withdrawal, including the user’s age, the dosage that is taken, frequency of use, as well as any polysubstance abuse. It is always advised to withdraw from benzo use through a taper schedule, which will allow the body to adjust in a safe and controlled manner, and to complete the withdrawal process while under the supervision of medical professionals. The professionals can assist in the event of severe or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Luckily, many of our addiction treatment centers offer benzodiazepine detox programs that can do just that. Medical detox can be what keeps a person from losing their life, so do not neglect it.
Benzo Addiction Treatment With Banyan
If you or someone you love has grown dependent on the effects of drugs like benzodiazepines, many of our Banyan rehab locations offer excellent addiction treatment programs to address it. Do not allow yourself to remain caught in the web of substance abuse. Take the steps now to get healthy, stay healthy, and build a community along the way.
To learn more information about the other programs offered, call out Banyan Treatment Center locations today at 888-280-4763.
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