Oxazepam is used to treat symptoms of
anxiety, such as worry, restlessness, and
insomnia; symptoms that occur during alcohol withdrawal; and agitation and irritability in
elderly individuals. Oxazepam is in a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
May Be Beneficial:Supportive
interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication
work better.
Vinpocetine*
Avoid:Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this
medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.
Alcohol
Smoking
Depletion or interference
None known
Side effect reduction/prevention
None known
Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability
None known
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements —
Vinpocetine
In a preliminary trial, an extract of periwinkle called vinpocetine was shown to produce minor
improvements in short-term memory among people taking flunitrazepam, a
benzodiazepine.1 Further study is needed to determine if vinpocetine would be a
helpful adjunct to use of benzodiazepines, or oxazepam specifically.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Controlled studies have shown that eating diets low in calories, protein, and carbohydrates
can reduce the elimination of oxazepam from the body and increase the amount of time it
remains in the blood.23 On the other hand, research indicates that
certain foods, such as Brussels sprouts and cabbage, might reduce blood levels of oxazepam and
increase the removal of the drug.4 Further research is needed to determine whether
certain foods and diets can result in significant changes in the effectiveness or safety of
oxazepam.
Alcohol
Drinking alcoholic beverages with oxazepam can increase side effects of the drug, such as
drowsiness, fatigue, and light-headedness.5 Therefore, alcohol should be avoided by
people taking oxazepam, especially when staying alert is necessary.
Smoking
Cigarette smoking can significantly increase the elimination of oxazepam from the
body.6 Problems might occur if people either start or stop smoking while taking
oxazepam. Individuals who stop smoking may experience increased side effects, while those who
start smoking may notice that the drug is less effective.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
1. Bhatti JZ, Hindmarch I. Vinpocetine effects on cognitive impairments
produced by flunitrazepam. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 1987;2:325–31.
2. Sonne J. Factors and conditions affecting the glucuronidation of
oxazepam. Pharmacol Toxicol 1993;73 Suppl 1:1–23.
3. Hamberg O, Ovesen L, Dorfeldt A, et al. The effect of dietary energy
and protein deficiency on drug metabolism. Eur J Clin Pharmacol
1990;38:567–70.
4. Pantuck EJ, Pantuck CB, Anderson KE, et al. Effect of Brussels sprouts
and cabbage on drug conjugation. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1984;35:161–9.
5. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Psychotherapeutic Drugs,
Antianxiety Agents, Benzodiazepines. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St.
Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1255–69.
6. Ochs HR, Greenblatt DJ, Otten H. Disposition of oxazepam in relation
to age, sex, and cigarette smoking. Klin Wochenschr 1981;59:899–903.
The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only.
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience,
or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur
in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over
the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist
for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in
prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.
Health Centers
Health Notes
Browse our database of comprehensive, science-based health, and lifestyle information.
