Comprehensive medication guide to Oxazepam including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$15 copay for generic Oxazepam on commercial Tier 1-2 plans; Medicare Part D typically places it on Tier 4 with higher copays — some plans may have limited benzodiazepine coverage.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$14–$92 retail for a 30-day supply of generic Oxazepam; as low as $14.25 with a GoodRx coupon or $28.83 with SingleCare at most major pharmacies.
Medfinder Findability Score
55/100
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Oxazepam is a short-to-intermediate acting benzodiazepine approved by the FDA for the treatment of anxiety disorders, short-term relief of anxiety symptoms, anxiety associated with major depressive disorder, and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. It was first approved in 1964 and was marketed for decades under the brand name Serax, which has since been discontinued. Only generic Oxazepam is available in the United States today.
Oxazepam is particularly valued in clinical settings for its unique pharmacological profile: unlike most benzodiazepines, it bypasses the liver's cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme system and is instead metabolized via glucuronidation. This means it has no active metabolites and carries a lower risk of drug accumulation — making it the preferred benzodiazepine for elderly patients and those with hepatic impairment or cirrhosis.
Oxazepam comes in capsule form (10 mg, 15 mg, and 30 mg) and as a 15 mg tablet. It is taken 3-4 times daily for anxiety management, with effects beginning within 30-60 minutes of each dose.
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Oxazepam works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. It binds to GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system, making these receptors more responsive to GABA. The result is increased inhibitory activity throughout the brain — reducing anxiety, relaxing muscles, preventing seizures, and promoting sedation.
A key distinguishing feature is its metabolism: Oxazepam undergoes Phase II glucuronidation rather than Phase I CYP450 oxidative metabolism. This produces inactive, water-soluble glucuronide conjugates that are excreted renally. Because this pathway remains largely intact in hepatic impairment, Oxazepam does not accumulate dangerously in patients with liver disease — a critical advantage over most other benzodiazepines.
Oxazepam is also an active metabolite of diazepam — meaning some of diazepam's therapeutic effect is actually mediated through conversion to Oxazepam in the body. Its half-life of approximately 8-12 hours with no active metabolites makes its clinical effect predictable and consistent, which contributes to its relatively lower abuse potential compared to faster-onset benzodiazepines.
10 mg — capsule
Low dose; common starting dose for anxiety in general adult and elderly patients
15 mg — capsule
Mid-range dose for anxiety management
15 mg — tablet
Tablet formulation; equivalent to 15 mg capsule
30 mg — capsule
Higher dose; commonly used for alcohol withdrawal management (15-30 mg TID-QID)
Oxazepam is not listed on the FDA's Drug Shortage Database as of 2026, meaning it is not under a nationally declared shortage. However, patients regularly report difficulty finding it at individual pharmacies. This is driven by several factors: DEA Schedule IV production quotas that cap annual manufacturing, the discontinuation of brand-name Serax leaving only generics from a limited number of manufacturers, and lower pharmacy par stock levels compared to higher-volume benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam.
In practice, this means that while Oxazepam is being manufactured and distributed nationally, it may not be in stock at the first pharmacy you check. Calling ahead is essential — online pharmacy apps do not display real-time inventory for Schedule IV controlled substances. Stock gaps are typically localized and short-lived, resolving within a few days as the next shipment arrives.
If you're struggling to find Oxazepam in stock, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find which ones can fill your prescription — saving hours of hold time on the phone.
As a DEA Schedule IV controlled substance, Oxazepam must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider with DEA registration and prescribing authority for controlled substances. The following provider types commonly prescribe Oxazepam:
Telehealth prescribing of Oxazepam is possible in many states with an established patient relationship. DEA telehealth prescribing rules for Schedule IV controlled substances are subject to ongoing regulatory development. Patients should confirm their telehealth provider's ability to prescribe controlled substances in their state before scheduling an appointment.
Yes. Oxazepam is classified as a
DEA Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule IV drugs have an accepted medical use in the United States but also carry a potential for abuse and limited physical or psychological dependence.
As a Schedule IV substance, Oxazepam prescriptions are subject to federal regulations: they may be written for up to a 6-month supply with a maximum of 5 refills, after which a new prescription is required. Many states have additional restrictions — some require prescriptions to be written on tamper-proof prescription pads, mandate electronic prescribing for controlled substances, or limit the quantity per fill.
DEA manufacturing quotas for Schedule IV substances also cap the total amount of Oxazepam that can be produced annually, contributing to the localized supply gaps that patients experience. Prescription transfers between pharmacies for controlled substances are permitted under federal law but may be restricted by some state regulations.
Common side effects, particularly when starting treatment:
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Lorazepam (Ativan)
Most pharmacologically similar alternative — also glucuronidated with no active metabolites. Faster onset and more potent (1 mg lorazepam ≈ 15 mg oxazepam). More widely available at pharmacies.
Diazepam (Valium)
Long-acting benzodiazepine; widely available as generic. Preferred for alcohol withdrawal front-loading in uncomplicated patients. Caution in hepatic impairment due to CYP450 metabolism.
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Long-acting benzodiazepine approved for panic disorder and seizures. Lower frequency dosing. CYP3A4 metabolized; not preferred in hepatic impairment.
Buspirone (BuSpar)
Non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic for generalized anxiety disorder. No abuse potential or physical dependence. Takes 2-4 weeks for full effect; not appropriate as an acute bridge.
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Opioids (oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, morphine, codeine, tramadol)
majorMAJOR: Combined use can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. FDA boxed warning. Only combine under explicit medical supervision with lowest doses and monitoring.
Alcohol
majorMAJOR: Additive CNS depression. Even small amounts increase sedation, memory impairment, and respiratory risk. Combination is never safe and should be completely avoided.
Sodium oxybate (GHB/Xyrem)
majorMAJOR: Profound CNS and respiratory depression. Contraindicated combination — do not use together.
Sleep medications (zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon)
moderateMODERATE: Additive sedation. Use with caution; monitor for excessive CNS depression.
Other benzodiazepines
moderateMODERATE: Additive sedation and increased dependence risk. Avoid concurrent use of multiple benzodiazepines.
Antipsychotics (quetiapine, haloperidol, olanzapine)
moderateMODERATE: Many antipsychotics are sedating; additive CNS depression when combined with Oxazepam.
Antihistamines (diphenhydramine/Benadryl, doxylamine)
moderateMODERATE: Sedating antihistamines significantly increase drowsiness. Avoid OTC sleep aids while taking Oxazepam.
Oxazepam has been a reliable medication for anxiety and alcohol withdrawal management since 1964. Its unique glucuronidation metabolism makes it one of the preferred benzodiazepines for elderly patients and those with liver disease. While only available as a generic today, it remains widely manufactured and affordable — with prices as low as $14 per fill with coupon programs.
The challenge with Oxazepam in 2026 is not its availability nationally but rather localized pharmacy stock gaps driven by DEA production quotas and its relatively lower prescription volume compared to more commonly stocked benzodiazepines. Patients who cannot find it at their usual pharmacy often succeed by checking a few additional locations or by planning their refills a week ahead of schedule.
If you're having trouble locating Oxazepam at a pharmacy near you, medfinder calls pharmacies in your area to find which ones have your prescription in stock, texting you the results — so you spend your time picking up your medication, not searching for it.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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