Oxazepam is a medicine used to treat anxiety and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Oxazepam overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes too much of this medicine.

Oxazepam

Oxazepam is sold under the following brand names:

• Adumbran
• Novoxapam
• Oxpam
• Serax
• Serenid Forte
• Zapex

This list may not be all-inclusive.

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Blurred vision
  • Double vision
  • Rapid side-to-side movement of the eyes
• Gastrointestinal
  • Nausea
• Lungs
  • Slow breathing
• Nervous system
  • Confusion
  • Coma
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Fainting
  • Slurred speech
  • Staggering gait
  • Stupor
  • Tiredness
  • Uncoordinated movement
  • Weakness
• Skin
  • Rash

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed
• If the medication was prescribed for the patient

However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Gastric lavage

With proper care, recovery normally occurs.

Goldfrank LR, ed. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2006.