Introduction
Anoxa is a prescription medicine that relieves symptoms of anxiety such as irritability, restlessness, lack of concentration, fatigue, sweating, increased heart rate, and unwanted or racing thoughts. It may also be used in alcoholics to treat anxiety associated with alcohol withdrawal.
Anoxa belongs to a class of medicines called benzodiazepines. It may be taken with or without food. However, take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it has a high potential of habit-forming.
If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. It is important that this medication is not stopped suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may cause nausea and anxiety. It should only be used for a limited period as long term use of this medicine is not recommended.
Anoxa may cause dizziness and sleepiness as side effects of this medicine, so do not drive if you have taken this medicine. Moreover, driving under the influence of this medicine is also considered as an offense. Other common side effects of this medicine include nausea, lethargy, edema, slurred speech, tremor, altered libido, and rashes. These are usually temporary and resolve on their own. Please consult your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away.
It should be noted that in elderly patients this medicine may reduce the muscle tone and increased risk of falls. You should avoid alcohol intake while taking this medicine as it will increase drowsiness. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding, before taking this medicine.
Uses of Anoxa
- Short term anxiety
- Alcohol withdrawal
Side effects of Anoxa
Common
- Altered libido
- Dizziness
- Edema (swelling)
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Rash
- Slurred speech
- Tremor
How to use Anoxa
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Anoxa may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Anoxa works
Anoxa is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
What if you forget to take Anoxa?
If you miss a dose of Anoxa, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Anxiety, Insomnia, Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Adult Dose
Oral
Anxiety
Mild/moderate: 10-15 mg 3-4 times/day.
Severe, agitation or assoc with depression: 15-30 mg 3-4 times/day.
Insomnia associated with anxiety
Adult: 15-25 mg given 1 hr before bedtime.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome; Anxiety
Adult: 15-30 mg 3 or 4 times daily.
Elderly: Initially, 10 mg tid, increase up to 10-20 mg 3 or 4 times daily as necessary.
Child Dose
Oral
Anxiety
Child >12 years
Mild/moderate: 10-15 mg 3-4 times/day.
Severe, agitation or assoc with depression: 15-30 mg 3-4 times/day.
Renal Dose
Renal impairment: No dosage adjustment needed.
Contraindication
Not for the treatment of psychoses. Pregnancy and lactation. Hypersensitivity, Acute alcohol intoxication, Myasthenia gravis (allowable in limited circumstances)
Severe respiratory depression, Depressed neuroses.
Mode of Action
Oxazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine. It increases neuronal membrane permeability to Cl ions by binding to stereospecific benzodiazepine receptors on the postsynaptic GABA neuron w/in the CNS (including the limbic system, reticular formation) and enhancing the GABA inhibitory effects resulting in hyperpolarisation and stabilisation.
Precaution
Patient w/ CV or cerebrovascular disease, acute narrow-angle glaucoma, suicidal tendencies, history of drug abuse or acute alcoholism, myasthenia gravis, chronic pulmonary insufficiency or sleep apnoea. Not intended for treatment of psychoses. Avoid abrupt withdrawal. Hepatic and renal impairment. Elderly or debilitated patient. Pregnancy and lactation. Patient Counselling May impair ability to perform hazardous activities requiring mental alertness or physical coordination (e.g. operating machinery, driving). Monitoring Parameters Monitor resp and CV status. Periodic monitoring of CBC and LFTs.
Lactation: Avoid during breastfeeding
Side Effect
Sleep and visual disturbances, drowsiness, dizziness, vertigo, lethargy, headache, tremor, ataxia, mild paradoxical reactions (e.g. excitement, stimulation of affect), minor diffuse skin rashes (e.g. morbilliform, maculopapular and urticarial), nausea, oedema, slurred speech, altered libido, GI symptoms. Rarely, transient anterograde amnesia or memory impairment, syncope, leucopenia and hepatic dysfunction including jaundice.
Interaction
Additive CNS depressant effects w/ barbiturates, antipsychotics, sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, sedative antihistamines, anticonvulsants, and anaesth. Increased psychic dependence w/ narcotic analgesics. CYP450 inhibitors may enhance benzodiazepine activity.