What is "oxazepam"

n. A benzodiazepine drug used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal.

n. a tranquilizing drug (trade name Serax) used to treat anxiety and insomnia and alcohol withdrawal [syn: Serax]

Oxazepam is a short-to-intermediate-acting benzodiazepine. Oxazepam is used for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia and in the control of symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

It is a metabolite of diazepam, prazepam, and temazepam, and has moderate amnesic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, sedative, and skeletal muscle relaxant properties compared to other benzodiazepines. Oxazepam was initially patented and marketed in 1965.