The Basics
What is Oxazepam?
Oxazepam is used to relieve anxiety, including anxiety caused by alcohol withdrawal.
Brand names for Oxazepam
Oxazepam
How Oxazepam is classified
Hypnotics and Sedatives, Anti-Anxiety Agents, Benzodiazepines
Oxazepam During Pregnancy
Oxazepam pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Oxazepam while pregnant
An increased risk of congenital malformations associated with the use of minor tranquilizers (chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, and meprobamate) during the first trimes ter of pregnancy has been suggested in several studies. Oxazepam, a benzodiazepine derivative, has not been studied adequately to determine whether it, too, may be associated with an increased risk of fetal abnormality. Because use of these drugs is rarely a matter of urgency, their use during this period should almost always be avoided. The possibility that a woman of childbearing potential may be pregnant at the time of institution of therapy should be considered. Patients should be advised that if they become pregnant during therapy or intend to become pregnant they should communicate with their physician about the desirability of discontinuing the drug.
Taking Oxazepam While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Oxazepam?
Oxazepam has low levels in breastmilk, a short half-life relative to many other benzodiazepines, and is administration directly to infants. Oxazepam would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants with usual maternal dosages. No special precautions are required.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Oxazepam has low levels in breastmilk, a short half-life relative to many other benzodiazepines, and is administration directly to infants. Oxazepam would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants with usual maternal dosages. No special precautions are required.
Possible effects of Oxazepam on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Oxazepam
Lorazepam, Midazolam.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Rane A, Sundwall A, Tomson G. [Oxazepam withdrawal in the neonatal period]. Lakartidningen. 1979;76:4416-7. PMID: 522574
2. Wretlind M. Excretion of oxazepam in breast milk. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1987;33:209-10. PMID: 3691611
3. Dusci LJ, Good SM, Hall RW, Ilett KF. Excretion of diazepam and its metabolites in human milk during withdrawal from combination high dose diazepam and oxazepam. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1990;29:123-6. PMID: 2105100
4. Kemp J, Ilett KF, Booth J, Hackett LP. Excretion of doxepin and N-desmethyldoxepin in human milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1985;20:497-9. PMID: 4074620
5. Kelly LE, Poon S, Madadi P, Koren G. Neonatal benzodiazepines exposure during breastfeeding. J Pediatr. 2012;161:448-51. PMID: 22504099
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
