What Is Oxazepam? Drug Class, Schedule & Drug Test Answers
Evidence-based answer reviewed against SAMHSA cutoffs and FDA assay documentation · Updated September 2026
Quick answer: Oxazepam is a Benzodiazepine (GABA-A modulator). Schedule IV by prescription. Here's how the drug is classified, whether it's a narcotic/controlled substance, and what that means for testing.
What is Oxazepam?
Drug class: Benzodiazepine (GABA-A modulator)
Federal schedule: Schedule IV by prescription.
Oxazepam is the calibrator compound for most benzodiazepine immunoassays — cutoffs are quoted in 'oxazepam equivalents.' That makes it one of the most reliably detected benzos on 10/12-panel strips.
Is Oxazepam a narcotic?
It is classified as a narcotic under the DEA's federal schedule. What matters more for you: Schedule IV by prescription..
Does it show up on drug tests?
No — it is not on the standard 5-panel; it appears only on expanded or panel-specific orders. See the full Oxazepam drug test guide for detection windows and cutoffs.
False-positive caution
- Sertraline and oxaprozin have documented case-report false positives for benzodiazepine immunoassays (class-wide).
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Do prescriptions count against me?
No — verified prescriptions report as negative through the Medical Review Officer. Declare medications at collection and answer the follow-up call.
Sources & further reading
- SAMHSA — Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs (cutoffs, MRO process)
- DOT — 49 CFR Part 40 procedures for transportation workplace testing
- Brahm NC et al., Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2008;83(1):66–76 — false-positive cross-reactivity reference
- FDA — drug-of-abuse test device labeling (detection window conventions)