Compared to most other benzodiazepines, oxazepam can be considered a particularly mild agent. Due to its pharmacokinetic properties, one hardly ever has to expect sudden effects or pronounced accumulation. It is therefore particularly suited for the treatment of elderly patients.

Its effect on anxiety and tension disorders is thoroughly documented; the cause of these disorders is of secondary importance. It can be used perioperatively, for phobias, or for psychophysiological anxieties. Its sedative effect is also useful as an adjuvant for psychoses. However, an actual antipsychotic effect (such as for neuroleptics) has not been demonstrated.

Oxazepam can be used as a sleeping aid as well. However, as is usual with benzodiazepines, one must cautiously test the necessity of a drug therapy.

Furthermore, the drug has been used successfully in connection with alcohol withdrawal. Its metabolism is not influenced by disulfiram (on the contrary to the metabolism of e.g. diazepam).

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