Oxazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine with slow onset commonly used to treat panic disorders, severe anxiety, alcohol withdrawals, and insomnia. Oxazepam, like related 3-hydroxybenzodiazepine lorazepam, is considered less susceptible to pharmacokinetic variability based on patient-specific factors (e.g. age, liver disease) - this feature is advantageous as compared to other benzodiazepines, and is likely owing in...
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 2 references
Like other benzodiazepines, oxazepam exerts its anxiolytic effects by potentiating the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on GABA(A) receptors, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the mammalian brain. GABA(A) receptors are a component of GABA-gated ionotropic chloride channels that produce inhibitory postsynaptic potentials - following activation by GABA, the channel undergoes a conformational change that allows the passage of chloride ions through the channel. The inhibitory potentials produced by GABA neurotransmission play an integral role in the suppression and control of epileptiform nerve firing such as that seen in epilepsy, which makes the GABA system a desirable target in the treatment of epilepsy.
Benzodiazepines are positive allosteric modulators of GABA(A) function. They bind to the interface between alpha (α) and gamma (γ) subunits on the receptor, commonly referred to as the benzodiazepine binding site, and modulate the receptor such that its inhibitory response to GABA binding is dramatically increased.
- Primary indication
- Oxazepam is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders and for the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety.Curator reviewed · 3 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C15H11ClN2O2 · 286.713 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1997 · United States, 1987
- Also known as
- (RS)-Oxazepam
- Code names
- J3.308A · NSC-169448 · WY-3498
- Brand names
Resolves to
ADIMAYPTOBDMTL-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESOC1N=C(C2=CC=CC=C2)C2=C(NC1=O)C=CC(Cl)=C2What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Oxazepam, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
Create a free account or log in to explore the full data card.
Create Account