OXAZEPAM (Serax) Side Effects Guide
Comprehensive, data-driven guide to Serax (oxazepam) side effects, using real patient reports and FDA data. We highlight frequency, severity, and management tips, plus compare with novel alternatives.
Medication: Serax (OXAZEPAM) Drug Class: Benzodiazepine [EPC] Author: Michael Baskerville Gill, B. Sc.
Reviewed by the Power Medical Content Team
Introduction to Serax (Oxazepam): The Reality of Benzodiazepines
Day 1: The anxiety quiets, replaced by a gentle wave of calm—or just a thick, slow fog. Day 10: You wonder if the drowsiness ever truly goes away. Week 3: Maybe you notice you're thinking about the next dose before it's due. Or maybe you're one of the lucky ones, and you feel normal again—just, well, a little less anxious.
Benzodiazepines like Serax (oxazepam) were once the darling of anxious and insomniac adults everywhere: quick to act, predictable in their sedation, widely prescribed. But their very effectiveness is a double-edged sword. A full very frequent 10 users out of 11 in online discussion report struggles with dependence or addiction, often emerging after just weeks of use source. Standard anxiety medications (SSRIs, buspirone) can be slow and spotty—leaving Serax as the go-to for acute relief, despite its baggage. Nearly every user knows what the FDA still phrases delicately: these drugs can help, but they’re tough to quit, and you might find yourself chasing that first effect more than you’d like.
Interested in clinical trials? Many trials for depression now target different mechanisms than Benzodiazepine [EPC]—potentially offering different side effect profiles. Browse clinical trials →
Side Effects Overview Table
→ View all 30 side effects from FDA trials → View all 11 user-reported side effects
How Other Drugs Compare
If you're weighing options, here's how Serax stacks up against alternatives:
| Metric | Serax (Benzodiazepine [EPC]) | Diazepam (Benzodiazepine [EPC]) | CYB003 (Deuterated Psilocybin Analog) | Osavampator (AMPA-PAM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MECHANISM | ||||
| Drug class | Benzodiazepine | Benzodiazepine | Psychedelic analog | Glutamate modulator |
| How it works | Potentiates GABA-A receptor (main inhibitory neurotransmitter) for rapid calming | Same as Serax; long-acting | Activates 5-HT2A receptors (modulates brain connectivity) | Enhances AMPA receptor (glutamate signaling, promotes neuroplasticity) |
| EFFICACY | ||||
| Response rate | Fast symptom reduction; 70-80% acute anxiety relief source | Similar | 53.3% (6w, depression) source | Phase 2: significant improvement over placebo (TRD) source |
| Remission rate | Data lacking for remission | Data lacking | 75% (CYB003, 4 months) source | Not yet reported |
| Time to effect | Minutes to hours | Minutes to hours | 1-2 weeks (single/few doses) | Possibly 1-2 weeks |
| KEY SIDE EFFECTS | ||||
| Addiction/dependence | 🔴 (very frequent, severe) | 🔴 (very frequent, severe) | 🟢 (not reported, single dose) | 🟢 (rare) |
| Withdrawal | 🟠 (frequent, severe) | 🔴 (very frequent, severe) | 🟢 (not reported) | 🟢 (rare) |
| Sedation/drowsiness | 🟡 (occasional-moderate) | 🟡 (occasional-moderate) | 🟢 (not reported) | 🟢 (not reported) |
→ Find clinical trials matched to your situation
Week-by-Week Timeline: What to Expect
| Week | Common Experiences | What's Normal | When to Call Your Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Drowsiness, fatigue, mild nausea, first taste of calm | Sleepiness, mild grogginess, relief | Any confusion, severe unsteadiness, trouble breathing |
| Week 2-3 | Mood may flatten, physical effects peak, "craving" more pills | Less anxiety, occasional daytime sleepiness | Escalating use, increased anxiety, depressive thoughts |
| Week 4-6 | Stable effect or subtle creep of dependence | Tolerance develops, rebound anxiety on missed doses | Strong urge to increase dose, new mood changes |
| Week 6-8 | Persistent benefit vs. subtle mounting side effects | May feel "normal" or less reactive | Unable to taper without distress, emerging withdrawal |
Most side effects peak in Week 1-2 and improve by Week 4. If you're still struggling at Week 8, it may be time to consider alternatives.
→ Explore clinical trials with faster onset
Why Doctors Still Prescribe Serax (Oxazepam)
Why Doctors Still Prescribe Serax
Serax (oxazepam) is a classic benzodiazepine, which means it enhances the action of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid, the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter). Think of GABA as your nervous system's chill-out switch: when activated, it reduces the excessive firing between nerve cells (synapses—the gaps where signals leap from one neuron to the next). Serax "opens the gates" for GABA, allowing chloride ions to hyperpolarize neurons (calming them down). That's why the relief is rapid—you can literally feel your body let go.
But the same flood of GABA quiets more than anxiety. It dials down your vigilance, your memory, sometimes even your sense of self. Side effects like drowsiness, dependence, and withdrawal happen because these receptors exist everywhere—motor control, memory, sleep.
So why do clinicians keep prescribing Serax despite this? Simple: it works fast, it's well understood, and the risk is predictable (at least for short-term use). Decades of data mean that most prescribers know how to manage its problems, even if those problems are far from trivial. When nothing else will calm a patient in panic, Serax is still hard to beat.
The Worst Side Effects
Addiction or dependence on oxazepam
"Anyone one benzos over a few weeks WILL become dependent. They will have withdrawal, that they will ascribe to anxiety, and we are just..." source
Reported as severe or debilitating by 7/10 users. The line between physical dependence and addiction can blur—some feel tethered after mere weeks.
Management tip: If you've been on Serax for more than 2-4 weeks, do not stop abruptly. Ask your prescriber about taper schedules. Some swap to a longer-acting benzo for tapering, then reduce that very slowly (months, not days).
Withdrawal symptoms after stopping oxazepam
"I am addicted to oxazepam, marketed as serax in the usa. It's a benzodiazapine and I've heard that the withdrawal can be quite serious and long lasting." source
Severe for 6/8 users, sometimes lasting weeks or months. Symptoms can mimic or exceed the original anxiety. Sudden withdrawal is dangerous and, in rare cases, life-threatening (seizures, delirium).
Management tip: Only taper with medical supervision. Micro-cuts (reducing dose by 5-10% every 1-2 weeks) are often safest. Short half-life drugs like Serax require even more caution.
Severe shakes while using oxazepam
"I am experiencing quite severe shakes, headache, unable to eat..." source
Reported as severe by 1/1 user. While rare, shaking/tremor can reflect the body's destabilized nervous system—sometimes part of withdrawal, but sometimes part of intoxication.
Management tip: Track when the shakes occur. If it's during withdrawal, alert your doctor. If it's on stable dose, consider lowering or spacing out doses.
How Clinical Trials Compare
CYB003 (deuterated psilocybin analog) Phase 2 showed no cases of addiction, dependence, or withdrawal with single/few doses. Headache and mild, transient nausea were most common source. By contrast, nearly all Serax users with longer-term use reported dependence and withdrawal (see above). D-cycloserine, in academic trials, also lacked these withdrawal and dependence profiles.
→ Find trials with lower rates of these side effects
The Most Common Side Effects
Addiction or dependence
- FDA rate: N/A; Reddit: 10/11 users (severe)
- What helps: Never use daily for more than 2-4 weeks. For chronic use, insist on frequent check-ins and plans for tapering. Use as-needed, not scheduled, whenever possible.
- Timeline: Can begin after just 2-4 weeks of regular use; persists if not stopped.
- User quote: "Yes, benzos can be addictive. Yes, benzos can absolutely ruin your life if you abuse them." source
Withdrawal symptoms
- FDA rate: N/A; Reddit: 8/11 users (severe)
- What helps: Always taper under medical guidance. Slow tapers (months, not weeks) minimize severity. Valium substitution for very short half-life drugs is sometimes used.
- Timeline: Begins days to weeks after stopping, peaks first 1-2 weeks, may last months.
- User quote: "Discontinuing benzos is best done over a period of months, especially if they have been chronic and/or at high dose..." source
Rebound/increased anxiety
- FDA rate: N/A; Reddit: 5/11 users (moderate)
- What helps: Gradual dose reduction. Non-drug coping skills for anxiety (CBT, grounding) become crucial.
- Timeline: After dose decrease/stopping; resolves in days to weeks.
- User quote: "The bad days after cutting are maybe bit more anxiety/ ..." source
Depression (worsening/new)
- FDA rate: N/A; Reddit: 3/11 users (moderate)
- What helps: Track mood changes carefully. Flag any lasting low mood to your prescriber—switching to non-benzodiazepine alternatives often helps.
- Timeline: May develop on drug or during withdrawal.
- User quote: "Heavy medication specifically for anxiety/panic attacks only brings more anxiety/panic and makes you even feel more depressed..." source
Fatigue/exhaustion
- FDA rate: N/A; Reddit: 1/11 users (moderate)
- What helps: Take at night if possible. Lower the dose if feasible. If you can't wake up in the morning, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
- Timeline: Usually persists as long as you’re taking the drug.
- User quote: "... brings more anxiety/panic and makes you even feel more depressed and exhausted ..." source
Nausea
- FDA rate: 0%; Reddit: 1/11 users (mild)
- What helps: Always take with food. Most users see nausea vanish after the first 1-2 doses if meals are included.
- Timeline: Rare, resolves after a few doses/with food.
- User quote: "The first night I took it without meals. I woke up feeling nauseous and wanting to vomit." source
Addiction or Dependence: The Deep Dive
The elephant in the room—called out by nearly every Reddit user and buried in cautious wording on the FDA label. Dependence doesn’t mean you’re "weak" or "addicted" in the classic sense, but the neurobiology is the same: the brain adapts to chronic GABA stimulation, downregulating its natural calming systems. Stop suddenly, and your nervous system rebounds (sometimes violently).
"Like other benzodiazepines, oxazepam is not supposed to be used for longer than a few weeks since it can lead to a Serax addiction." source
"Anyone one benzos over a few weeks WILL become dependent. They will have withdrawal, that they will ascribe to anxiety, and we are just..." source
This isn’t just theoretical—7 out of 10 Reddit users call this severe. FDA trials and label data tend to sweep "dependence" under the rug, because it’s an expected outcome, not an "adverse reaction."
Management tips:
- Never stop cold turkey, especially after 2+ weeks of daily use
- Set a stop date with your doctor when you begin
- If cravings or mounting urge for higher doses appear, alert your prescriber ASAP
For those with a history of substance use, or anyone prone to compulsive behaviors, extra vigilance is warranted. The cravings aren’t just psychological—the brain’s GABA systems take months to reset.
Withdrawal Symptoms: The Deep Dive
It’s not all horror stories, but the ones that do surface are memorable—“The withdrawal can be quite serious and long lasting,” said one Redditor source. In total, 6 out of 8 who talked about withdrawal rated it as severe. FDA label? The clinical trial table just leaves withdrawal off, but the boxed warnings are blunt: "acute withdrawal reactions may be life-threatening."
Withdrawal typically starts in the first few days after the last dose. Symptoms can include anxiety (worse than baseline), sweats, shakes, tremor, agitation, insomnia, and in rare cases, seizures or psychosis. The reason? The brain, used to the sedating GABA effect, is suddenly left with the "volume knob" stuck on high.
"Discontinuing benzos is best done over a period of months, especially if they have been chronic and/or at high dose UNLESS the patient is in..." source
"Yes, it absolutely could have been the benzo. I know it sounds crazy but I've heard of people developing dependency after less than two weeks." source
Management tips:
- Slow tapers are crucial: reductions of 5-10% every 1-2 weeks
- Substitute with longer-acting benzos if needed (per Ashton Manual)
- Watch for confusion, seizures, or psychosis—seek help immediately if these appear
Discontinuation & Withdrawal
By the numbers: while the FDA label is mute on exact percentages, Reddit users make it clear—withdrawal is not only common but often severe, even with short courses (8/11 users report severe or protracted symptoms after stopping source). Serax (oxazepam) has a short half-life (how long it stays active in your body), so withdrawal tends to hit quickly and with more intensity than longer-acting benzos like diazepam.
Typical withdrawal effects:
- Rebound anxiety
- Insomnia
- Tremor/shakes
- Headache
- Sweating
- In rare cases, seizures and psychosis (boxed warning)
Management tips:
- Always plan a gradual taper (dose reduction by 5-10% every 1-2 weeks)
- Never stop suddenly, especially after >2 weeks of regular use
- Withdrawal peaks in the first 1-2 weeks, but symptoms can last for months
- If severe symptoms appear (especially confusion, agitation, seizures), seek urgent care
For anyone who becomes pregnant, do not abruptly discontinue—consult your clinician immediately for taper guidance.
Dosage by Condition: Serax (Oxazepam)
| Condition | Starting Dose | Typical Dose | Maximum Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety disorders (adults) | 10-15 mg, 3-4x daily | 30-60 mg/day in divided doses | 120 mg/day |
| Alcohol withdrawal (adults) | 15-30 mg, 3-4x daily | 60-120 mg/day in divided doses | 120 mg/day |
| Elderly/debilitated patients | 10 mg, 3x daily | As tolerated; lowest effective dose | 60 mg/day |
The dose-response curve with Serax is steep for side effects: higher and more frequent dosing increases risk of sedation, confusion, falls, and (most concerning) dependence. "Start low and go slow" isn’t just a mantra—it’s a survival mechanism here. Even low doses for brief periods can cause dependence, especially in the elderly.
Alternatives to Serax
For anxiety:
- Buspirone: No risk of dependence, but slow to work, and sometimes blandly ineffective—think of it as "anxiety on training wheels."
- SSRIs/SNRIs (like sertraline, escitalopram): Won’t cause dependence, but bring their own blend of sexual side effects and fatigue.
- Hydroxyzine: Antihistamine with calming effect. More likely to cause sleepiness than cravings.
- Beta-blockers (propranolol): Useful for physical symptoms (racing heart, shakes). Not for core anxiety but handy for stage fright.
For depression with anxiety:
- Bupropion: No sexual side effects, but can worsen anxiety in some.
- TMS or Spravato: For stubborn cases, both offer options free of benzodiazepine baggage.
If you’re trying to avoid dependence/withdrawal, these alternatives (plus the clinical trial drugs below) are worth discussion.
→ Compare your options on WithPower
Clinical Trials for New Alternatives
CYB003 (deuterated psilocybin analog): Rapid effect (1-2 weeks), high remission (75% at 4 months), minimal chronic side effects (headache/nausea most common). No withdrawal, dependence, or need for daily use source.
Osavampator (AMPA-PAM): Ongoing Phase 3. No sexual dysfunction, weight gain, or chronic sedation in early trials. May act faster than SSRIs. source
D-cycloserine: Academic trials suggest rapid-acting antidepressant effect as add-on. Lacks chronic sedative or addictive risks. source
Psilocybin (COMPASS Pathways/Usona): 37% response and 29% remission at 3 weeks (depression/TRD), effect in 1-7 days. Transient side effects only, no chronic daily dosing needed source.
Trial participation often means close monitoring, free treatment, and sometimes, a chance at breakthrough therapies—but with unknown risks and a possibility of placebo. Phase 2 is still a far cry from FDA approval, so treat success stories as promising, not proven.
Interested in clinical trials? Many trials for depression now target different mechanisms than Benzodiazepine [EPC]—potentially offering different side effect profiles. Browse clinical trials →
Decision Map: Side Effects and Next Steps
If addiction or dependence is the dealbreaker → Try buspirone, SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram), hydroxyzine, or beta-blockers. Or CYB003, D-cycloserine, or psilocybin trials.
If withdrawal symptoms are intolerable → Discuss taper options and alternatives above. Trials with non-benzodiazepine drugs (CYB003, osavampator) may offer gentler off-ramps.
If rebound/increased anxiety is your main side effect → SSRIs, buspirone, or clinical trials with rapid-acting agents.
If fatigue/exhaustion is a dealbreaker → Consider bupropion, or talk to your doctor about daytime alternatives and non-drug coping.
If you’re looking for something fundamentally different → See trials for psychedelic and glutamatergic options.
Image: Shutterstock
Monitoring & What to Track
What your doctor should monitor:
- For anxiety: GAD-7 or HAM-A scores (self-report anxiety scales)
- For depression: PHQ-9 or HAM-D scores
- Watch for subtle mood shifts, especially if increasing dose or using >4 weeks
- For older adults: Monitor for falls, confusion, and signs of over-sedation
- Suicidal ideation, particularly early in treatment
- If chronic use: Consider periodic liver function tests (rarely, benzodiazepines can cause hepatic dysfunction)
What you should track:
- Daily anxiety/mood level (1-10 scale)
- All side effects: when they start, how severe, when they go away
- Sleep quality, energy, and any cravings for extra doses
- Appetite and GI symptoms if they appear
If your doctor isn’t tracking these, bring this guide and ask for a monitoring plan. The more data, the safer you’ll be.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Serax (oxazepam) is listed as Pregnancy Category D: positive evidence of human fetal risk. Benzodiazepines cross the placenta and can cause fetal sedation, withdrawal ("floppy infant syndrome"), and, rarely, birth defects. For those already taking it, do not stop suddenly—abrupt withdrawal can endanger both mother and fetus.
Breastfeeding: Oxazepam is excreted in breast milk, but at lower levels than some other benzos. It is sometimes considered as the benzodiazepine of choice if one absolutely must continue while breastfeeding, but infant sedation and withdrawal are possible.
As always, this is a nuanced risk-benefit conversation with your doctor—untreated anxiety or alcohol withdrawal also put pregnancy at risk.
Do NOT stop suddenly if you become pregnant—always consult your clinician for a gradual taper.
Emergency Warning Signs
⚠️ Call 911 or go to ER immediately if you experience:
- Suicidal thoughts or plans
- Severe confusion, stupor, or loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Signs of severe allergic reaction: rash, swelling, difficulty breathing
- Sudden yellowing of skin or eyes (possible liver dysfunction)
- Serious withdrawal: delirium, psychosis, uncontrolled tremor
- Profound sedation, especially if mixed with opioids
📞 Call your doctor urgently if:
- Unusual bleeding or bruising (possible blood dyscrasia)
- Severe anxiety or agitation, especially after dose change
- Worsening depression
- New or worsening shakes/tremor
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Summary & Next Steps
Key takeaways: Serax (oxazepam) acts fast for anxiety, but carries a very high risk of dependence (10/11 users report this, often as severe) and severe withdrawal symptoms (8/11, often lasting weeks to months). Most side effects are rare or moderate, but the addiction/withdrawal profile overshadows milder annoyances like fatigue or GI upset.
If Serax is working for you: Stick with your lowest effective dose, avoid long-term daily use, and set an exit plan with your prescriber. Track all symptoms, especially new ones after dose changes.
If side effects are intolerable: Don’t go it alone. Talk to your doctor about a gradual taper. Explore alternatives like buspirone or SSRIs if dependence or withdrawal become a problem. Clinical trials may offer options without these chronic risks.
Your next steps:
- Track your symptoms for 2 weeks using a mood diary
- Discuss this guide with your doctor at your next appointment
- If considering alternatives, → explore clinical trials
→ Find clinical trials matched to your situation
Appendix A: FDA Label Data Summary
Adverse Reactions by Prevalence (Clinical Trial Data)
| Side Effect | Drug Rate | Placebo Rate | Category | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| drowsiness | 0% | 0% | very common | Nervous System |
| dizziness | 0% | 0% | uncommon | Nervous System |
| vertigo | 0% | 0% | uncommon | Nervous System |
| headache | 0% | 0% | uncommon | Nervous System |
| syncope | 0% | 0% | rare | Nervous System |
| paradoxical reactions (excitement, stimulation of affect) | 0% | 0% | uncommon | Psychiatric |
| skin rash (morbilliform, urticarial, maculopapular) | 0% | 0% | rare | Dermatologic |
| nausea | 0% | 0% | rare | Gastrointestinal |
| lethargy | 0% | 0% | rare | Nervous System |
| edema | 0% | 0% | rare | Metabolic |
| slurred speech | 0% | 0% | rare | Nervous System |
| tremor | 0% | 0% | rare | Nervous System |
| altered libido | 0% | 0% | rare | Reproductive/Sexual |
| fixed drug eruption ⚠️ | 0% | 0% | rare | Dermatologic |
| leukopenia ⚠️ | 0% | 0% | rare | Hematologic |
| hepatic dysfunction (including jaundice) ⚠️ | 0% | 0% | rare | Hepatic |
| ataxia | 0% | 0% | rare | Nervous System |
| paradoxical excitation with severe rage reactions ⚠️ | 0% | 0% | unknown | Psychiatric |
| hallucinations ⚠️ | 0% | 0% | unknown | Psychiatric |
| menstrual irregularities | 0% | 0% | unknown | Reproductive/Sexual |
| change in EEG pattern | 0% | 0% | unknown | Nervous System |
| blood dyscrasias including agranulocytosis ⚠️ | 0% | 0% | unknown | Hematologic |
| blurred vision | 0% | 0% | unknown | Ophthalmologic |
| diplopia | 0% | 0% | unknown | Ophthalmologic |
| incontinence | 0% | 0% | unknown | Genitourinary |
| stupor ⚠️ | 0% | 0% | unknown | Nervous System |
| disorientation ⚠️ | 0% | 0% | unknown | Nervous System |
| fever ⚠️ | 0% | 0% | unknown | General |
| euphoria | 0% | 0% | unknown | Psychiatric |
| transient amnesia or memory impairment ⚠️ | 0% | 0% | unknown | Nervous System |
Boxed Warnings (Most Serious)
- Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
- Risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death.
- Continued use may lead to clinically significant physical dependence.
- Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening.
Drug Interactions
- Concomitant use with opioids increases risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
- Abuse and misuse commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, increasing frequency of serious adverse outcomes.
Appendix B: Reddit User-Reported Side Effects
Data extracted from Reddit discussions. Counts show how many posts/comments mentioned each side effect.
| Side Effect | Mentions | Severity | Duration | Persists? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Addiction or dependence on oxazepam | 10 posts | 🟠 Severe (7/10) | Ongoing with use; can develop after a few weeks to months of regular use | ⚠️ Yes |
| Withdrawal symptoms after stopping oxazepam | 8 posts | 🟠 Severe (6/8) | Can last weeks to months after stopping; some report long-lasting symptoms | ⚠️ Yes |
| Rebound or increased anxiety after reducing or stopping oxazepam | 5 posts | 🟡 Moderate (4/5) | Often occurs after dose reduction or stopping; can last days to weeks | ⚠️ Yes |
| Worsening or new onset depression | 3 posts | 🟡 Moderate (2/3) | Can be ongoing with use or worsen during withdrawal; some report persistent symptoms | ⚠️ Yes |
| Nausea and upset stomach after taking oxazepam | 1 posts | 🟢 Mild (1/1) | Single episode after taking without food; resolved with food | Resolves |
| Excessive drooling after taking oxazepam without food | 1 posts | 🟢 Mild (1/1) | Single episode after taking without food; resolved with food | Resolves |
| Fatigue and exhaustion after taking oxazepam | 1 posts | 🟡 Moderate (1/1) | Ongoing while taking medication | Resolves |
| Severe shakes while using oxazepam | 1 posts | 🟠 Severe (1/1) | Several days during use | Resolves |
| Headache while taking oxazepam | 1 posts | 🟡 Moderate (1/1) | Several days during use | Resolves |
| Loss of appetite while taking oxazepam | 1 posts | 🟡 Moderate (1/1) | Several days during use | Resolves |
| Emotional blunting or feeling neutral while on oxazepam | 1 posts | 🟢 Mild (1/1) | While intoxicated with both alcohol and oxazepam | Resolves |
User Quotes by Side Effect
Addiction or dependence on oxazepam (Develops after a few weeks to months of regular use; persists as long as medication is continued and can continue after stopping (as withdrawal) )
"Like other benzodiazepines, oxazepam is not supposed to be used for longer than a few weeks since it can lead to a Serax addiction." source
"Anyone one benzos over a few weeks WILL become dependent. They will have withdrawal, that they will ascribe to anxiety, and we are just..." source
"Yes, benzos can be addictive. Yes, benzos can absolutely ruin your life if you abuse them." source
Withdrawal symptoms after stopping oxazepam (Begins within days to weeks of stopping or reducing dose; peaks in first 1-2 weeks; can persist for weeks to months)
"I am addicted to oxazepam, marketed as serax in the usa. It's a benzodiazapine and I've heard that the withdrawal can be quite serious and long lasting." source
"Discontinuing benzos is best done over a period of months, especially if they have been chronic and/or at high dose UNLESS the patient is in..." source
"Yes, it absolutely could have been the benzo. I know it sounds crazy but I've heard of people developing dependency after less than two weeks." source
Rebound or increased anxiety after reducing or stopping oxazepam (Starts after dose reduction or stopping; peaks in first week; may resolve in days to weeks)
"The bad days after cutting are maybe bit more anxiety/ ..." source
"Heavy medication specifically for anxiety/panic attacks only brings more anxiety/panic and makes you even feel more depressed and exhausted than you already ..." source
"I've tried weening myself off a few times, and I feel the depression and anxiety come back, so I've resigned myself to just sticking on them." source
Worsening or new onset depression (Can start during use or after stopping; may persist for weeks)
"Heavy medication specifically for anxiety/panic attacks only brings more anxiety/panic and makes you even feel more depressed and exhausted than you already ..." source
"I have a history of being depressed and anxiety, I took Vanlafaxine + Serax for 3 years." source
"Long acting Benzos are great to treat the motivation issues I have with my depression." source
Nausea and upset stomach after taking oxazepam (Started after first dose without food; resolved after subsequent doses with food)
"The first night I took it without meals. I woke up feeling nauseous and wanting to vomit." source
Excessive drooling after taking oxazepam without food (Started after first dose without food; resolved after subsequent doses with food)
"I was drooling a lot too. That changed when I took it with food." source
Fatigue and exhaustion after taking oxazepam (Occurs during use; resolves after stopping)
"Heavy medication specifically for anxiety/panic attacks only brings more anxiety/panic and makes you even feel more depressed and exhausted than you already ..." source
Severe shakes while using oxazepam (Started during use; resolved after a few days)
"I am experiencing quite severe shakes, headache, unable to eat (all Ive had in the last 3 days is coffee, water and a few bites of some Mexican food I bought), ..." source
Headache while taking oxazepam (Started during use; resolved after a few days)
"I am experiencing quite severe shakes, headache, unable to eat (all Ive had in the last 3 days is coffee, water and a few bites of some Mexican food I bought), ..." source
Loss of appetite while taking oxazepam (Started during use; resolved after a few days)
"I am experiencing quite severe shakes, headache, unable to eat (all Ive had in the last 3 days is coffee, water and a few bites of some Mexican food I bought), ..." source
Emotional blunting or feeling neutral while on oxazepam (Occurs during use, especially with alcohol; resolves after effects wear off)
"It reduces cravings for alcohol, and when I drank while taking it, being drunk was a weirdly neutral, un-emotional experience." source
Appendix C: Clinical Trials with Different Mechanisms
These trials target mechanisms different from Benzodiazepine [EPC]. Phase 2 results do not guarantee Phase 3 success.
CYB003 (deuterated psilocybin analog)
- Sponsor: Cybin Inc.
- Phase: Phase 2 (Breakthrough Therapy Designation)
- NCT: NCT06141876
- Mechanism: Deuterated psilocybin analog (psychedelic-derived, 5-HT2A receptor agonist)
- Side Effect Comparison: CYB003 showed a favorable side effect profile: transient mild-moderate headache and nausea were most common. No serious adverse events or persistent cognitive/sexual/weight side effects, which are common with SSRIs/SNRIs. No daily dosing required, reducing chronic side effect burden.
- Efficacy Data:
- Response rate: 53.3% (CYB003 16mg) vs 19.4% (placebo) at 6 weeks
- Remission rate: 75% at 4 months (CYB003)
- MADRS change: -14.08 points (CYB003 16mg) vs -8.24 points (placebo) at 6 weeks
- Time to response: 1-2 weeks
- Source
- Why it might interest you: Rapid onset (1-2 weeks), high remission rates, and a side effect profile lacking the chronic issues (sexual dysfunction, weight gain, sedation) seen with standard antidepressants. Single or few doses may reduce long-term side effect exposure.
- Results: Significant and rapid reduction in depressive symptoms; high remission rates sustained at 4 months; rapid onset of action.
- Sources: 1, 2, 3
Osavampator (NBI-1065845, TAK-653)
- Sponsor: Neurocrine Biosciences
- Phase: Phase 3
- Mechanism: AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulator (AMPA-PAM)
- Side Effect Comparison: AMPA modulators like osavampator are not associated with sexual dysfunction, weight gain, or sedation typical of SSRIs/SNRIs. Early data suggest a favorable tolerability profile, with headache and mild GI symptoms most common.
- Efficacy Data:
- Response rate: Not yet reported (Phase 3 ongoing)
- Remission rate: Not yet reported (Phase 3 ongoing)
- MADRS change: Not yet reported (Phase 3 ongoing); Phase 2 showed significant improvement over placebo
- Time to response: Potentially faster than SSRIs (AMPA modulation)
- Source
- Why it might interest you: Novel mechanism (AMPA modulation) may offer faster onset and fewer chronic side effects (sexual dysfunction, weight gain, sedation) than standard antidepressants. Useful for those who cannot tolerate SSRI/SNRI side effects.
- Results: Phase 2 data showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms as adjunctive therapy; Phase 3 underway to confirm efficacy and safety.
- Sources: 1, 2, 3
D-cycloserine (adjunctive)
- Sponsor: Not specified (academic)
- Phase: Phase 2 (completed)
- NCT: NCT00408031
- Mechanism: NMDA receptor partial agonist (glycine site)
- Side Effect Comparison: D-cycloserine is not associated with sexual dysfunction, weight gain, or sedation. Side effects are generally mild (headache, dizziness) and less frequent than with SSRIs/SNRIs.
- Efficacy Data:
- Response rate: Not reported
- Remission rate: Not reported
- MADRS change: Not specified for D-cycloserine in MDD; in TRD, significant improvement over placebo in phase 2 trial (NCT00408031)
- Time to response: Potentially within 1-2 weeks
- Source
- Why it might interest you: Different mechanism (NMDA modulation), rapid onset, and fewer chronic side effects than standard antidepressants. May be suitable for those with intolerable SSRI/SNRI side effects.
- Results: Adjunctive D-cycloserine improved depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant depression.
- Sources: 1
Psilocybin (COMPASS Pathways, Usona)
- Sponsor: COMPASS Pathways, Usona Institute
- Phase: Phase 2b/3
- NCT: NCT06141876
- Mechanism: Psychedelic (5-HT2A receptor agonist)
- Side Effect Comparison: Psilocybin is not associated with sexual dysfunction, weight gain, or chronic sedation. Most side effects are transient (headache, nausea, anxiety during session). No daily dosing, so no chronic side effect burden.
- Efficacy Data:
- Response rate: 37% (psilocybin 25mg) vs 18% (placebo) at 3 weeks
- Remission rate: 29% (psilocybin 25mg) vs 8% (placebo) at 3 weeks
- MADRS change: Psilocybin: -17.6 points vs -5.4 points (placebo) at 3 weeks (in TRD, COMPASS Pathways Phase 2b)
- Time to response: 1-2 days to 1 week
- Source
- Why it might interest you: Single/few doses, rapid onset, and lack of chronic side effects (sexual dysfunction, weight gain, sedation) make this attractive for those who cannot tolerate standard antidepressants.
- Results: Rapid and significant reduction in depressive symptoms; high response and remission rates after a single dose.
- Sources: 1, 2
Appendix D: Methodology
We analyzed more than 30,000 clinical trial records from ClinicalTrials.gov, reviewed 300+ journal articles via PubMed, and combed through 44 online discussions and 30 OpenFDA Drug Label entries. Our review identified 11 distinct patient-reported adverse effects, which were prioritized by mention frequency and contextualized with severity ratings, duration details, and direct patient quotations with citation.
Sources
FDA Label
Web Research
- Oxazepam (oral route) - Side effects & dosage
- Serax Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term
- Oxazepam: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, ...
- Oxazepam Capsules, USP
- Oxazepam Capsules, USP
- Oxazepam Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term
- Oxazepam - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH
- Oxazepam
- Long-Term Effects Of Serax (Oxazepam) Abuse And ...
- Side Effects of Serax (oxazepam): Interactions & Warnings
Clinical Trial Research
- Depression clinical trials worldwide: a systematic analysis ...
- Depressive disorders: systematic review of approved ...
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- Osavampator (NBI-1065845, TAK-653) as adjunctive ...
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Reddit Discussions
- Asking for experiences with oxazepam (serax, opamox)
- Oxazepam Question : r/Psychiatry
- any experience with escitalopram & oxazepam? : r/Anxiety
- Oxazepam (seresta) vs Alprazolam (Xanax)? : r/bipolar
- IAMA person who is addicted to oxazepam and will soon ...
- Men on antidepressants, how do you feel your life has ...
- I am out of options will someone help me : r/dryalcoholics
- Comprehensive list of insomnia medications and treatments
- oxazepam : r/mentalhealth
- Am I too stingy with benzos? : r/Psychiatry