Oxazepam Addiction and Abuse

What is Oxazepam?

Oxazepam can be described as a short-to-intermediate acting benzodiazepine that’s used for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety, as well as managing symptoms during alcohol withdrawal. The drug has been used in clinical medicine since the 1960s.

Oxazepam is a breakdown product or metabolite of other major benzodiazepines like Diazepam (Valium), Prazepam and Temazepam. The drug possesses anxiolytic, moderate amnesic, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, sedative, and skeletal muscle relaxant properties.

Due to its addictive nature, Oxazepam is classified as a Schedule IV substance in the United States and a Class C drug in the UK. If you or a loved are currently abusing this drug, not only is it possibly illegal, it also poses a variety of dangerous health risks. Contact Addiction Helper now on 0800 915 9402 for professional help with overcoming Oxazepam addiction and abuse.

Other names for Oxazepam

In certain countries (especially English speaking ones), Oxazepam can be found marketed under other brand names, such as; Opamox, Noripam, Ox-Pam, Alepam, Murelax, Medopam, Serax, Purata and Serapa.

What is Oxazepam Used For?

Oxazepam is typically prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. This particular type of benzodiazepine is also known to have anticonvulsant, hypnotic, amnesic, and muscle relaxant properties. Essentially, it is prescribed to help put patients at ease. For instance, during a panic attack, Oxazepam can be administered to rapidly subdue symptoms of such a condition.

Causes of Oxazepam Addiction

People who have co-occurring disorders usually abuse anti-anxiety drugs like Oxazepam by self-medicating or combining it with other substances. Examples of such co-occurring disorders include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, massive depressive disorder, or sleeping disorders.

Professionals with highly-stressful jobs also have a high likelihood of abusing Oxazepam, as they often suffer from work related anxiety,

sleeplessness, or physical stress. In truth, anyone who has been prescribed Oxazepam is at risk of abusing it and becoming addicted, which is why the drug is often only used in scenarios where alternative forms of treatment are inadequate or unavailable. Other risk factors that can result in Oxazepam addiction include:

  • Patients with medical problems such as muscle pain or alcohol withdrawal are likely to abuse sedatives like Oxazepam to control their condition.
  • Mental illness such as anxiety and panic disorders can cause an individual to use Oxazepam for longer than necessary, which will lead to an increased tolerance to the drug over time and eventually a possible overdose.
  • Polydrug use: this is the combination of Oxazepam with similar depressants or other substances in order to intensify its effects. Such drug abuse is dangerous, as not only can it exacerbate addiction, but it might also prove fatal.
  • Genetics: according to the APA (American Psychiatric Association), your genetic makeup plays a key part in determining the development of addiction to substances like benzodiazepines. If you have a family history of abusing benzodiazepines or some other form of addiction, the risk of you developing substance dependence when using Oxazepam is much higher.
  • Environmental: the APA also points out that individuals who live in an environment that gives them greater access to benzodiazepines – or those who are frequently surrounded by people with an addiction – are more likely to engage in similar behaviours.

How addictive is Oxazepam?

As a benzodiazepine, Oxazepam is highly addictive.

Oxazepam is intended only for the short-term treatment of severe anxiety, usually for two to four weeks. Using the drug for a longer period can easily give rise to an increase in tolerance, which in turn can lead to physical dependence and possibly addiction.

Because Oxazepam is prescribed for short-term use, a patient might consume their supply of pills faster than anticipated, with the treated condition still persisting. If that patient still needs the drug to care for ongoing anxiety or insomnia, this can lead to taking it for longer than recommended, which in turn could result in tolerance and also addiction.

Addictive Properties of Oxazepam

The use of Oxazepam – be it according to prescription or recreationally – can easily result in physical dependence. This will occur as your body adapts to the frequent use of the drug, which leads to a change in your brain’s chemical structure. For instance, GABA neurons will be influenced by the active components of Oxazepam and begin to down-regulate. Also, your liver will adapt to metabolising the drug quicker, as the rest of your body becomes used to the drug’s

side-effects. These bodily adaptations will eventually amount to an increase in tolerance and lead to your body needing higher doses of Oxazepam just to achieve the desired effect of the drug. This increase in tolerance and physical adaption is what leads to an eventual addiction to Oxazepam. Once addiction sets in, you will experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to quit.

Methods of Oxazepam Usage

Oxazepam is generally available as a tablet or capsule, which can be taken orally.

What Does It Mean to Be Addicted to Oxazepam?

An addiction to Oxazepam infers you’re unable to function normally without using the drug. This is usually evident in the manifestation of withdrawal symptoms when you fail to take a fresh dose.

The first sign of addiction is often an increase in your tolerance to the drug, which leads you to use it in increasing doses just to experience the desired effects. If you find yourself compulsively taking more Oxazepam than prescribed, please tell your doctor immediately or contact us at Addiction Helper to arrange for an intervention.

Spotting Oxazepam Abuse

The sooner you spot Oxazepam abuse, the sooner you can take control of the situation and prevent it from spiralling out of control. Some of the tell-tale signs of Oxazepam abuse include:

  • Needing more Oxazepam to achieve the desired effects.
  • Intense and frequent cravings for Oxazepam.
  • Unsuccessful efforts to quit Oxazepam or reduce dosage.
  • Spending an increasing amount of time using Oxazepam or getting over its effects, as well as trying to acquire more of the drug.
  • Continuing Oxazepam abuse in spite of having problems at work, school, or with personal relationships.
  • Giving up important activities as a result of using Oxazepam.
  • Inability to maintain important obligations as a result of Oxazepam use.
  • Developing risky behaviour due to Oxazepam use. For instance, mixing it with alcohol, or using the drug whilst driving.
  • Developing withdrawal symptoms when not using Oxazepam.
  • Repeatedly using Oxazepam in higher doses and for longer periods of time than intended.

Oxazepam Abuse: Signs and Symptoms

Once a person begins abusing Oxazepam – be it recreationally or otherwise – certain signs and symptoms will soon become apparent. If you notice such symptoms, consider it an opportunity to get help quickly and stop a drug habit from worsening or leading to long-term health complications.

Typical Oxazepam abuse signs and symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Muscle weakness
  • Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
  • Memory impairment
  • Increased confusion

Health Risks from Oxazepam Addiction

There are several potential health risks that can arise from abusing Oxazepam. The most dangerous is long-term addiction and the associated health risks, such as a potentially fatal overdose.

Other health risks include:

  • Hypotension (especially if Oxazepam is combined with the use of other drugs)
  • Slow or rapid heartbeat
  • Difficulty breathing (especially during sleep)
  • Drowsiness
  • Headaches
  • Trouble urinating
  • Diarrhoea
  • Tremors
  • Irregular menstrual periods (for women)
  • Lethargy
  • Slurred speech
  • Excitement, delirium or hallucinations
  • Difficulty standing or walking
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Jaundice
  • Altered sex drive

There is also the risk of convulsions and catatonia, which could result in death.

Short-Term Effects of Oxazepam

There are many potential short-term side effects that can arise from abusing Oxazepam. Some include:

  • Somnolence
  • Over sedation
  • Confusion
  • Loss of coordination
  • Muscle weakness
  • Impaired cognitive and motor function

Long-Term Effects of Oxazepam

Long term effects of abusing Oxazepam can include:

  • Continued fatigue
  • Amnesia or forgetfulness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Headaches
  • Reduced cognition
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Memory loss or amnesia
  • Major depressive disorder
  • Rebound anxiety
  • Constipation
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Withdrawal Effects of Oxazepam Abuse

A physical dependence or addiction to Oxazepam will likely be followed by a host of the following withdrawal symptoms if you fail to take a fresh dose of the drug (or take less than your usual dose):

  • Catatonia
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Delusions
  • Delirium Tremens
  • Hallucinations
  • Psychosis
  • Hyperthermia
  • Coma
  • Mania
  • Violence or homicidal ideations

With so many adverse effects arising from Oxazepam withdrawal, it’s best to seek help from a health care professional if you intend on quitting the drug.

Co-Occurring Disorders

If you’re abusing Oxazepam, it’s possible that you’re also simultaneously suffering from a co-occurring mental health condition. If you have a co-occurring disorder whilst going through addiction, it becomes difficult to make a full recovery without it also being treated. This is because co-occurring disorders often contribute to substance abuse, and failing to treat them can in time lead to a return to drug use.

The following disorders have been noticed amongst people going through Oxazepam addiction:

  • Tobacco use disorder (and other substance use disorders)
  • Antisocial personality disorder
  • Depressive disorders
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Anxiety disorders

Who is at Risk for Oxazepam Addiction?

Anyone who has been prescribed Oxazepam or is abusing it is at risk of developing an addiction. This is why the use of the drug in clinical medicine is closely regulated by law. In order to reduce the risk of developing an Oxazepam addiction, it’s best to use the drug only for a short time period and never beyond the dose prescribed by your doctor. Also, never combine Oxazepam with other substances, without first informing your doctor. This especially includes combining it with alcohol or other stimulants to heighten its effects.

People with mental disorders are often at a higher risk of abusing Oxazepam.

Teen Oxazepam Abuse and Addiction

Teenagers are often influenced by their environment or pressured by their peers into abusing addictive substances. Many adolescents initially start abusing drugs innocently, simply because their friends are doing so and it seems like harmless fun. However, substance abuse is never harmless fun, especially if benzodiazepines like Oxazepam are involved.

Most teenagers who become addicts are unable to distinguish the line between casual substance abuse and the point they developed substance dependence. Because Oxazepam can be easily sourced from a relative or friend’s medication stash, it’s important that you’re able to quickly identify whether your child is taking addictive substances.

The sooner you get help for such teenagers, the better.

Cost of Oxazepam Addiction

The cost of Oxazepam addiction treatment will vary, based on a number of factors. For instance, the severity of addiction and how long treatment will last will each be factored into the cost of treatment. Also, whether treatment is received via an outpatient or inpatient programme will also affect the cost. Treatment at an inpatient facility generally costs more than what is provided at an outpatient facility, due to the added cost of boarding and intensive round-the-clock care. However, the cost of treatment can be minimised if your insurance policy covers addiction treatment and if the facility in question accepts insurance as way of payment.

Aside from the financial cost of Oxazepam addiction, there’s also the human cost, which affects your relationships and professional career. When a drug habit takes control of your life, it can make you negligent with regards your job or relationships. This can result in problems at home, distancing from friends, and possible failure in the workplace, education or other aspects of your professional life.

The Effects of Oxazepam Abuse on the Brain and Body

Oxazepam facilitates the effects of the neurotransmitter, GABA. When the amount of GABA in the central nervous system increases due to the influence of Oxazepam, your body will begin to experience sedative effects, similar to intoxication. Oxazepam has also been shown to minimise stress hormones within the body, such as cortisol. These all contribute to reducing anxiety and stress in a person who is prescribed the drug. Also, because Oxazepam is already a simple

metabolite that can be easily broken down, the drug will have less adverse effects compared to other benzodiazepines when used by the elderly.

Relationship between Oxazepam and Other Substances

Like many benzodiazepines, taking Oxazepam alongside other drugs can be dangerous. For this reason, it’s essential you tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins and supplements being used when taking Oxazepam.

Using Oxazepam next to any of the following substances can be problematic: Triprolidine, Vigabatrin, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), sedatives, sleeping pills, Carbamazepine, Tricyclic Antidepressants, Phenytoin, and Theophylline.

If used alongside Oxazepam, the following can also increase the toxicity of the drug and render it poisonous:

  • Cimetidine
  • Omeprazole
  • Ritonavir
  • Saquinavir
  • Voriconazole
  • Clozapine
  • Fluconazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Indinavir
  • Nelfinavir
  • Itraconazole
  • Telithromycin
  • Oral contraceptives

It’s also important that you never use Oxazepam alongside narcotics, opioids or alcohol.

Oxazepam Overdose explained

An Oxazepam overdose can be fatal if not quickly managed by a medical professional. An overdose occurs when you consume more Oxazepam than your body can metabolise. Treatment in such scenarios can involve induced vomiting or pumping your stomach to clear it of the drug.

Overdose symptoms can include:

  • Altered consciousness
  • Blurred vision
  • Central nervous system depression
  • Confusion or delirium
  • Dizziness and loss of coordination
  • Excessive somnolence
  • Extreme drowsiness and an inability to wake up
  • Occasionally, cardiovascular and pulmonary toxicity
  • Respiratory depression
  • Slurred speech

To avoid a potentially fatal outcome, contact emergency services immediately if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms.

What to Do If You Need Help Quitting

If you’ve been abusing Oxazepam for some time and would like to quit, please don’t try doing so on your own. Upon quitting a benzodiazepine, withdrawal symptoms can be complicated and it’s best if treatment is provided in a professional addiction treatment centre. For more information about facilities in your area (or abroad), contact Addiction Helper today via our confidential helpline on 0800 915 9402.

Oxazepam Withdrawal

If you’ve developed a physical dependence on Oxazepam and try to abruptly quit, you’re likely to exhibit symptoms of withdrawal. These could manifest within four hours after your last dose of the drug and can last for days or even a few weeks.

Symptoms of Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms are typically dependent on the quantity and frequency of Oxazepam abuse. Whether you were abusing other substances alongside Oxazepam will also influence the severity of withdrawal.

Symptoms of Oxazepam withdrawal may include:

  • Flu-like pains
  • Psychosis
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Restlessness
  • Confusion
  • Suicidal behaviours
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Poor concentration and memory
  • Muscle tension and aches

Duration of Withdrawal

Short-acting benzodiazepines like Oxazepam often involve withdrawal beginning one to two days after consuming the last dose. The withdrawal process can continue for two to four weeks or longer.

Oxazepam Withdrawal Timeline

First 1-3 Days: Severe Oxazepam abuse (after addiction) will likely result in withdrawal symptoms within a day after your last dose. Symptoms can include rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety. Some addicts might not experience physical symptoms until the onset of the ‘rebound’ period.

First 4-7 Days: Physical symptoms can begin to fade by this stage, but chronic abusers may still experience insomnia and anxiety.

Second Week: Withdrawal symptoms may rebound two weeks after the last usage. They might be most painful during this period and include muscle pain, seizures, nausea, and so on.

First Few Weeks: Post-Acute Withdrawals Symptoms (PAWS) could be experienced by severe addicts during this time period. PAWS can include depression, cravings, and irritability. Ongoing treatment can help recovering addicts get through this phase.

Oxazepam Addiction Treatment

In cases of addiction to Oxazepam, use of the drug should cease gradually via a tapering regimen, supervised by a medical professional. The tapering process is best applied through a medically supervised detoxification in order to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.

In an inpatient recovery facility, medication can also be provided to minimise symptoms such as severe anxiety, depression, or insomnia. Inpatient therapy is most successful for treating addiction and polydrug abuse, because the patient will be fully monitored in a controlled and safe environment. Once inpatient treatment is complete, it can be followed by outpatient therapy, whereby a recovering addict can continue with ongoing treatment.

Therapy for Oxazepam Addiction

If you or a loved one are ready to receive treatment for Oxazepam addiction, the most effective therapies are behavioural therapies, combined with medication if necessary.

Behavioural therapy may consist of group, individual, and family therapy to help you develop and maintain positive behaviours and thoughts, handle cravings, improve self-esteem, and prevent relapse.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been found to be especially effective, as it focuses on changing expectations, thinking, and behaviours to help a recovering addict cope with triggers and life stressors that typically lead to drug abuse. Such therapy will also address underlying behavioural and emotional disorders that caused the addict to begin abusing drugs in the first place. It will also provide skills to balance and maintain progress made during recovery.

Possible Complications

The overall benefits of undergoing detox far outweigh the risks. However, said risks are much easier to deal with if you know what they are and the possible complications they can lead to, as well as how to deal with them accordingly. Some of the common risks during the Oxazepam withdrawal process (especially an unprofessionally managed one) include:

  • Severe diarrhoea or excessive vomiting
  • Epileptic seizures
  • Suicidal ideation due to depression
  • Delirium Tremens

To discover more about these complications, contact us for a friendly chat. Always remember that the risks of going through detox are far less than what a lifetime of Oxazepam addiction has to offer.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

If you’ve been using Oxazepam and notice you require higher doses of the drug to achieve the desired effect – or that you experience withdrawal symptoms whenever you fail to take a fresh dose – please contact a medical professional immediately. Increased tolerance and the onset of withdrawal symptoms are signs that you’ve developed a physical dependence on the drug. The sooner you get help with substance dependence, the better, as the condition will only worsen in the absence of proper treatment.

Oxazepam Recovery Plan

An effective recovery plan for Oxazepam addiction is tapering, which involves the gradual reduction of Oxazepam doses until you are completely weaned off the drug. Oxazepam may also be substituted for a longer-acting benzodiazepine before tapering commences.

Detox is a crucial first step to making a full recovery, but the process is infinitely safer and effective if directly supervised by a medical

professional, who has the expertise to recommend medication as necessary and at appropriate doses to minimise withdrawal symptoms. A doctor can also provide tapering treatment that actually weans you off Oxazepam. Tapering involves reducing Oxazepam doses gradually, until you’re completely weaned off the drug. How long tapering will go on for is mostly dependent on the severity of both your addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

Finding assistance for Oxazepam withdrawal can be challenging, but by talking to us at Addiction Helper, we can get you all the help you need, fast. If you or a loved one require Oxazepam addiction treatment, call us now on 0800 915 9402 to speak with one of our specialists.

Medical Detox for Oxazepam

A medical detox is a good start towards making a full recovery from addiction and maintaining abstinence long-term. Medically assisted therapy could make use of the following medication to not only hasten your recovery, but make the entire process less uncomfortable.

  • Anti-seizure medication like carbamazepine or valproate to minimise symptoms
  • Antidepressants with sedative effects like trazodone or imipramine
  • Diazepam (Valium) to manage rebound symptoms, as well as hallucinations and psychosis

Oxazepam Addiction Statistics

In the United States, 5% of adults between the ages of 18 and 80 used Oxazepam and other benzodiazepines in 2008.

9% of adults in the US who used benzodiazepines the same year were between the ages of 65 and 80. Females made up 66% of adults using benzodiazepines in the US in 2008.


FAQs

What is Oxazepam?

Oxazepam can be described as a short-to-intermediate-acting benzodiazepine that’s used for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety, as well as managing symptoms during alcohol withdrawal. The drug has been used in clinical medicine since the 1960s.

Is Oxazepam Addictive?

Yes. As a benzodiazepine, Oxazepam is very addictive. Using the drug longer than four weeks (recreationally or for treatment) can easily lead to physical dependence.

Who Abuses Oxazepam?

Anyone prescribed Oxazepam is likely to abuse it. However, the elderly and people with mental health disorders are more likely to inappropriately use the drug. Teenagers are also known to abuse medication such as Oxazepam recreationally.

How Can I Spot Oxazepam Addiction?

Some of the tell-tale signs of Oxazepam addiction include:

  • Giving up important activities as a result of using Oxazepam.
  • Inability to maintain important obligations as a result of Oxazepam usage.
  • Developing risky behaviour due to Oxazepam usage. For instance, mixing it with alcohol or using it whilst driving.
  • Needing more Oxazepam to achieve the desired effects.
  • Developing withdrawal symptoms when not using Oxazepam.
  • Repeatedly using Oxazepam in higher doses and for longer periods of time than intended.
  • Intense and frequent cravings for Oxazepam.
  • Unsuccessful efforts to quit Oxazepam or reduce doses.
  • Spending an increasing amount of time using Oxazepam, getting over its effects, or trying to acquire more of the drug.
  • Continuing Oxazepam abuse in spite of having problems at work, school, or with personal relationships.

How do People Abuse Oxazepam?

People generally abuse Oxazepam by using it beyond the recommended dose or using it more frequently than they should. Others abuse the drug by combining it with other central nervous system depressants or stimulants to heighten its effects.

What Does Oxazepam Look Like?

Oxazepam is available as a tablet or capsule. The colour of the capsule can vary, depending on the manufacturer of the drug, as well as the strength of dosage.

How is Oxazepam Used?

Oxazepam is available as a tablet or capsule and is typically administered orally.

Is Oxazepam Harmful?

Oxazepam has a variety of uses in clinical medicine, but if used inappropriately, the drug can pose a variety of health risks, including the following;

  • Addiction
  • Hypotension (especially if combined with the use of other drugs)
  • Slow or rapid heartbeat
  • Difficulty breathing (especially during sleep)
  • Headaches
  • Trouble urinating
  • Diarrhoea
  • Tremors
  • Irregular menstrual periods (for women)
  • Lethargy
  • Slurred speech
  • Delirium or hallucinations
  • Difficulty standing or walking
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Jaundice
  • Altered sex drive

Where Else Can I Find Help?

If you’ve been abusing Oxazepam for some time and would like to quit, please contact Addiction Helper today via our confidential helpline on 0800 915 9402. We can provide all the assistance and information you need to break free from Oxazepam abuse and addiction.

What is Oxazepam Dependence?

Being dependent on Oxazepam may not necessarily mean that you’re addicted to the drug. Dependence can be a metric for defining if you’re actually addicted and is usually signified by an increased tolerance to Oxazepam, as well as withdrawal symptoms when you fail to take a fresh dose of the drug.

Why is This Drug Addictive?

Oxazepam is addictive because of the way in which it influences the chemical structure of the brain and how it leads to physical dependence by causing the body to believe it cannot function normally without the drug in its system. This is caused by the Oxazepam’s influence on GABA receptors.

If you or a loved one are addicted to Oxazepam, get in touch with us at Addiction Helper today. We have a variety of specialists available who can guide you on the path to making a full recovery, with no complications. We can do it quickly and discreetly. Contact our 24/7 helpline on 0800 915 9402 for confidential advice. You’ll be glad you did!

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