/
/
/
How to get rid of this medicine oxazepam15
Mental Disorders
Question #9667
44 days ago
5,492

How to get rid of this medicine oxazepam15 - #9667

Rajesh Barua

For last 3 years I am taking oxazepam15 tablets and I want to stop this medicine but I don't know how to stop because if one day I don't take this medicine my mood start swinging I feel dizziness my whole body get shivering plz advice me to get rid of this medicine

Age: 40
Chronic illnesses: No
Mood swing
Dizziness and shivering
100 INR (~1.18 USD)
Question is closed

On the Ask Doctors service, online consultations with doctors for Mental Disorders are available for any issue that concerns you. Expert doctors provide consultations around the clock and for free. Ask your question and get an answer right away!

Doctors’ responses

Hi Mr. Rajesh. It must be hard for you not being able to leave medicine despite the efforts. Oxazepam belongs to Benzodiazepines group of drugs which are used for sleep issues and anxiety. And they are habit forming drugs and prolonged use can lead to dependence which is what happened in your case. Due to this reason, Benzodiazepines are not supposed to be prescribed more than 2 months. I see that you have been taking for almost a year now. And when you don't take it, you would have sleep issues which is part of withdrawal symptoms. Sudden stoppage of any habit forming drugs lead to withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, uneasiness, and sleep disturbances. Management of Benzodiazepine dependence includes- 1) Gradual tapering (Detoxification) of the offending drug over weeks or months. In your case, what you can do is reduce the dose by 25% every week. For eg., 25% of 15mg is 3.75mg - reduced by 1st week, later 25% of 11.25mg and so on until the end. 2) Alternatively, drugs like Diazepam or Chlordiazepoxide can be used for detoxification because of ease of tapering. 3) Maintain proper sleep hygiene. 4) Anti-anxiety medications to relieve anxiety for short term. I hope this clears your question. Kindly contact me on this platform for consultation if you need further help. Regards, Dr. Charan Kumar, MD Psychiatry (NIMHANS).
Accepted response

0 replies
Dr. Aman Shaba
Dr. Aman Shaba is a highly qualified Consultant Neuropsychiatrist with extensive clinical experience in diagnosing and managing psychiatric disorders. His expertise spans across general psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, addiction medicine, sexual medicine and psychotherapeutic interventions. Educational Background Dr. Shaba completed his MBBS from M.I.M.E.R Medical College, Pune, where he developed a strong foundation in medical sciences and clinical medicine. His passion for mental health led him to pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Psychiatry at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Wardha. During his postgraduate training, he gained hands-on experience in managing a wide range of psychiatric disorders, neuropsychiatric conditions, and crisis interventions.Dr. Aman Shaba has also completed specialized training in Sexual Medicine from Allo Health, further enhancing his expertise in diagnosing and managing sexual health concerns Professional Experience Dr. Aman Shaba has worked in several esteemed institutions, providing specialized psychiatric care: 1.JNMC, Wardha – As a psychiatry resident, he was actively involved in patient care, research, and academic activities. 2.Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital, Delhi – He played a crucial role in the Children and Adolescent De-addiction Ward, helping young individuals struggling with substance use disorders. His work involved detoxification, behavioral therapy, and relapse prevention strategies tailored to adolescent mental health needs 3.Tele MANAS, Jharkhand (CIP Ranchi) – Currently, he is associated with Tele MANAS, a national tele-mental health service under the Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP), Ranchi. He provides expert psychiatric consultations via telemedicine, enhancing accessibility to mental healthcare across India.
44 days ago
Thank you for reaching out and being honest about your journey. Taking oxazepam (15 mg) for the past 3 years can definitely lead to physical dependence, which is why you're experiencing symptoms like mood swings, dizziness, and body shivering when you miss a dose. These are classic withdrawal symptoms. Here’s how you can approach stopping it safely: 1. Do not stop suddenly Stopping oxazepam all at once can be dangerous and worsen your withdrawal symptoms. It's important to reduce the dose gradually under medical supervision. 2. Gradual tapering The dose needs to be reduced slowly—usually by 10–25% every 1 to 2 weeks—depending on how your body adjusts. The tapering process might take a few months to avoid withdrawal symptoms. 3. Consider a substitution In some cases, we switch to a longer-acting benzodiazepine like diazepam to make tapering smoother. This is done on a case-by-case basis. 4. Supportive treatment Sometimes, we prescribe medications to manage sleep problems, anxiety, or body symptoms during the taper. These are temporary and help you get through the process more comfortably. 5. Monitor and support Regular follow-up with a psychiatrist is crucial. If needed, brief psychological support or stress management techniques can help reduce the anxiety around stopping the medicine. Next step: Please consult a psychiatrist in person or through a trusted platform. I can help guide you to the right services if needed. Do not try to quit on your own — with proper guidance, it's absolutely possible to stop oxazepam safely and feel better again. Take care, Dr. Aman Shaba Consultant Neuropsychiatrist 7992489808

0 replies
Hi, Rajesh, it’s important to gradually taper Oxazepam under your doctor’s supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms like mood swings, dizziness, and shivering. Do not stop suddenly. Your doctor can create a safe tapering plan and may suggest alternative therapies for managing anxiety. Always consult your doctor before making any changes.

0 replies

If you need a detailed answer, ask your question to a doctor

A doctor will answer all of your questions, advise you what to do now to get better, what to do in the future, what best treatments and practices should be followed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service.


Related questions