Skip to main content
Medically Approved

Oxazepam oral capsule dosage: A detailed guide

twitter share buttonfacebook share buttonlinkedin share buttonemail article button
Form and strengthsDosageFAQHow it's takenCouponOverdoseAsk your doctorBoxed warnings
Doctors prescribe oxazepam oral capsule to treat anxiety. You take it by mouth three or four times per day.
Medically reviewed by Beth Thomas, PharmD, RPh
Updated on

This article describes oxazepam oral capsule’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for oxazepam. If you want to know more about oxazepam oral capsule, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Oxazepam oral capsule is a generic medication. It’s not available in a brand-name version.

Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care with no appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional in 15 minutes or less. Get started here.

Boxed warnings

A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This drug has the following boxed warnings:

See the end of this article for more information about these warnings.

Form and strengths of oxazepam

Oxazepam oral capsule comes as follows:

  • Form: oral capsule, which you’ll take by swallowing
  • Strengths: 10 milligrams (mg), 15 mg, 30 mg

Dosage of oxazepam

This article describes the recommended dosages for oxazepam oral capsule. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of oxazepam oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of oxazepam in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of oxazepam oral capsule. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of oxazepam oral capsule that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for anxiety and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal

PurposeRecommended doseFrequency
treatment of mild to moderate anxiety10–15 mg3 or 4 times per day
treatment of severe anxiety 15–30 mg3 or 4 times per day
treatment of anxiety in older adults* • initial dosage: 10 mg
• maximum dosage: 15 mg
• initial frequency: 3 times per day
• maximum frequency: 4 times per day
treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms 15–30 mg 3 or 4 times per day

* Age ranges were not provided by the drugmaker. However, the National Institute on Aging considers older adults to be people ages 65 years and older.

Dosage adjustments for oxazepam

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of oxazepam oral capsule based on several factors. These include:

  • the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
  • your age
  • other health conditions you may have

Missed dose of oxazepam

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of oxazepam oral capsule. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of oxazepam oral capsule and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about oxazepam oral capsule and its dosage.

Can oxazepam be used for sleep? If so, what is the dosage?

Possibly. But oxazepam oral capsule isn’t approved for sleep. It’s used to treat anxiety and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Because it’s not approved for sleep, there is no recommended dosage for this purpose.

Sleepiness can be a side effect of oxazepam oral capsule. In some cases, doctors may prescribe oxazepam off-label for sleep. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

If you have questions about treatment options for sleep, talk with your doctor.

How does the dosage of oxazepam compare with the dosage of diazepam?

As with oxazepam, the dosage of diazepam will differ based on what the medication is prescribed for.

Diazepam can be used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, muscle spasms, and seizures. The dosage of diazepam ranges from 2–10 mg, taken 2–4 times per day.

If you have questions about the dosage of oxazepam compared with diazepam, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is oxazepam taken long term?

It depends. If you and your doctor determine that oxazepam is safe and effective for your condition, you may take it long term. The drugmaker did not study the effectiveness of oxazepam when it’s used for more than 4 months.

If you have questions about how long you should take oxazepam oral capsule, talk with your doctor. Do not stop taking oxazepam without talking with your doctor.

How oxazepam is taken

You’ll swallow oxazepam oral capsule three to four times per day. It can be taken with or without food.

Be sure to swallow oxazepam oral capsule whole. If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Oxazepam coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for oxazepam when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.

Pill bottle with text 'Starts at $4'

Free prescription coupons

Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.

Get free card

Overdose of oxazepam

It’s important that you do not take more oxazepam oral capsule than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of oxazepam overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do if you take too much oxazepam

If you think you’ve taken too much oxazepam, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for oxazepam oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of oxazepam oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take oxazepam oral capsule exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Will a lower dosage of oxazepam reduce my risk of side effects from the drug?
  • Does my risk of dependence increase with a higher dosage?
  • Will my dosage of oxazepam oral capsule change if I also take other medications with it?

Boxed warnings for oxazepam

This drug has boxed warnings about the following risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Risk of serious harm if taken with opioids: The use of both benzodiazepines (such as oxazepam) and opioids (such as oxycodone or tramadol) can lead to dangerous side effects.

Possible symptoms include:

  • severe drowsiness
  • slowed breathing
  • coma
  • death

If you are prescribed both oxazepam as well as opioids, your doctor will monitor you closely during treatment.

Risk of misuse and addiction: Misusing oxazepam can lead to addiction, which could lead to overdose and death. Misuse is when a drug is taken in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. Addiction refers to feeling unable to stop using a drug, even though it may be causing harm.

Risk of dependence and withdrawal: The use of oxazepam can lead to physical dependence on the drug. The risk of dependence increases the longer you take the drug. The risk also increases with higher doses.

If you’re dependent on oxazepam and then suddenly stop taking the drug, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. And withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening. This can also happen if you’re dependent on oxazepam and you lower your dosage without first talking with your doctor.

You can also talk with your doctor to learn more.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Article resources