Benzodiazepines
Oxazepam (Serax)
Street names: Serax, Serepax, Alepam
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Intermediate-acting anxiolytic, less sedating than diazepam
- No active metabolites — safer in liver disease
⚠Key risks
- Still dependence-forming with daily use
- Less potent per mg — users underestimate doses
- Withdrawal seizures after long use
- Alcohol interaction
✚Overdose signs
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Slow breathing in combination
Category comparison — Benzodiazepines
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxazepam (Serax) | Schedule IV | Still dependence-forming with daily use; Less potent per mg — users underestimate doses | ~$0.50–$2 per tablet |
| Diazepam | Schedule IV | Dependence in 2–4 weeks of daily use; Dangerous withdrawal (seizures) — never stop cold turkey | ~$1–$10 per 10 mg tablet |
| Alprazolam (Xanax 2 mg) | Schedule IV | Dependence within weeks; brutal withdrawal (seizures risk); Counterfeit 'bars' increasingly contain fentanyl or bromazolam | ~$2–$10 per 2 mg bar |
| Lorazepam (Ativan 2.5 mg) | Schedule IV | Dependence and withdrawal seizures; Rebound anxiety between doses | ~$1–$5 per 2.5 mg tablet |
| Clonazepam (Rivotril/Klonopin 2 mg) | Schedule IV | Long half-life — dependence builds silently; Withdrawal can last months | ~$1–$5 per 2 mg tablet |
| Nitrazepam (Nipam 5 mg) | Schedule IV | Morning 'hangover' impairment; Dependence and falls in older users | ~$1–$4 per 5 mg tablet |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Oxazepam (Serax) look like?
10–30 mg tablets/capsules
What are the signs of a Oxazepam (Serax) overdose?
Sedation; Dizziness; Slow breathing in combination Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
Still dependence-forming with daily use Withdrawal can be life-threatening — medical tapering is essential.