Serax is a benzodiazepine. It is primarily used as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Serax can be used to relieve other types of anxiety, including anxiety caused by depression, and the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Serax may also be used to treat tension, agitation, and irritability in older patients. It works by slowing down the nervous system. You need a prescription in order to purchase Serax.
Before using Serax, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Serax should be used only according to doctor’s instructions.
You and your doctor should consider the following before treatment with Serax:
Allergies: You cannot take Serax if you are allergic to it or to other benzodiazepines such as Xanax (Alprazolam), Librium (Chlordiazepoxide), Tranxene (Clorazepate), Valium (Diazepam), and Ativan (Lorazepam). Make sure you have no allergies to these medicines when taking Serax.
Pregnancy: Never use Serax if you are pregnant or suspicious to be pregnant. Serax is known to cause birth defects in unborn babies when given to pregnant patients. You and your doctor have to be sure that you are not pregnant before using Serax. If you are female and capable of childbearing, the doctor may first order a pregnancy test before giving Serax.
Health problems: You cannot take Serax if you have any of the following health problems:
Any breathing problems or difficulties, including diagnosis of asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
History of depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior
History of addiction to alcohol and to other drugs
Addiction potential: Note that Serax can be habit-forming, especially if taken more than prescribed or for longer periods. Only use Serax according to doctor’s instructions. Do not share Serax to others, especially to those with a history of drug addiction. Always keep Serax in a safe and secure place.
Alcohol: You must not consume alcohol when you are taking Serax, as the drug may enhance its effects.
Breastfeeding: Do not breastfeed when receiving Serax because it may pass into breast milk and harm the nursing child. If you are breastfeeding, tell it to your doctor before receiving Serax.
Children: The effects and safety of Serax to children is not known. Do not give Serax to children and to patients less than 18 years old.
Elderly: Serax can be given to elderly patients with doctor’s supervision. Note that the sedative effects of Serax may be longer in elderly, so exercise precaution to avoid accidental falls or injuries.
Drug interactions: The following drugs may interact with Serax and cause undesirable effects.
You must tell your doctor if you are using one or more of the following:
Alfentanil
Amobarbital
Anileridine
Bromazepam
Buprenorphine
Butabarbital
Butalbital
Carbinoxamine
Carisoprodol
Chloral Hydrate
Chlorzoxazone
Codeine
Dantrolene
Ethchlorvynol
Fentanyl
Flibanserin
Fospropofol
Hydrocodone
Hydromorphone
Levorphanol
Meclizine
Meperidine
Mephenesin
Mephobarbital
Meprobamate
Metaxalone
Methadone
Methocarbamol
Methohexital
Mirtazapine
Morphine
Morphine Sulfate Liposome
Oxycodone
Oxymorphone
Pentobarbital
Phenobarbital
Primidone
Propofol
Propoxyphene
Remifentanil
Secobarbital
Sodium Oxybate
Sufentanil
Suvorexant
Tapentadol
Thiopental
Zolpidem
St John's Wort
Theophylline
3 Proper Usage
Proper usage of Serax requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. Always take the exact dose, and do not take more to avoid side effects and reduce the risk for addiction.
The doctor may change doses of Serax frequently to ensure the best effect. Note that Serax is only a short-term drug, and it's not to be taken longer than 4 months. Serax is usually taken three or four times a day. You can take Serax with or without food.
If you notice that your dose of Serax does not seem to work on your symptoms, call your doctor right away. Do not take more Serax capsules without doctor’s advice.
If you missed a dose, take Serax as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the original dosing schedule . Do not increase or double the dose of Serax to make up for the missed dose.
Taking too much Serax is dangerous because it can cause death. If this happens, call emergency medical services right away. Keep Serax in a secure place away from the reach of children and others. Keep them away from heat, moisture and light.
4 Precautions to Take
In using Serax, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Serax may cause drowsiness and reduced reaction times. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery right after taking Serax.
You need to be seen regularly by your doctor when you are receiving Serax. You must be monitored while receiving Serax, and the doctor may have to adjust your dose. Do not miss clinic visits when taking Serax.
Do not stop using Serax suddenly, which can trigger serious side effects. Serax is discontinued by gradually tapering the dose. If you want to stop using Serax, call your doctor first.
Do not drink alcohol or other sedatives while taking Serax. Note that medication for colds, allergies, depression, seizures, and muscle relaxants, and sleeping pills also have sedative effects and may enhance drowsiness caused by Serax. The elderly receiving Serax may need closer monitoring.
If you feel that you are unable to function or perform usual activities, or feel well without taking Serax, you may be having a dependence on the drug. If you feel this is happening you, call your doctor right away. If you became pregnant while taking Serax, call your doctor right away.
Serax may cause side effects. The side effects caused by Serax may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.
Here are the serious side effects of Serax:
Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as trouble breathing, skin rash, hives, swelling of the throat, nose, mouth or tongue
Engaging in risky activities or behaviors, having reduced inhibitions or no fear of danger
Hyperactivity and aggression
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not present)
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