A benzodiazepine drug used as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Oxazepam may cause dependence if it is taken regularly for more than 2 weeks (see drug dependence).
A benzodiazpine anxiolytic drug (see BENZODIAZEPINES; ANXIOLYTICS). Like all benzodiazepines, oxazepam should be prescribed with caution at the lowest possible dosage for the shortest possible time, as patients can become dependent on it (see DEPENDENCE). The indication for use is short-term relief of severe anxiety, including panic attacks. Oxazepam has an advantage over many diazepams in being shorter acting, and it can be used for patients with impairment of LIVER function. The drug is inappropriate for treatment of DEPRESSION, obsessional states or PSYCHOSIS (see MENTAL ILLNESS).
n. a *benzodiazepine drug used for the short-term relief of severe anxiety and tension. It may cause drowsiness. See also anxiolytic.
pl. n. a group of pharmacologically active compounds used as *anxiolytics and hypnotics. The group includes *chlordiazepoxide, *diazepam, *oxazepam, and *temazepam.... benzodiazepines
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