Generic Name: sodium oxybate (SO dee um OX i bate)
Brand Names: Xyrem
What is sodium oxybate?
Sodium oxybate is a central nervous system depressant. It is used to treat cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle strength) and reduce daytime sleepiness in patients with narcolepsy.
Sodium oxybate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about sodium oxybate?
It is dangerous to try and purchase sodium oxybate on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. The sale and distribution of sodium oxybate outside of the U.S. does not comply with the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the safe use of this medication.
Sodium oxybate is also known as GHB, a known street drug of abuse. Because of the potential for abuse and the serious side effects that may occur, sodium oxybate is available only through a special program. Your doctor will explain the risks and benefits of using sodium oxybate, and the medication will be delivered to you from a central pharmacy.
Sodium oxybate may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
Never take more than your prescribed dose of sodium oxybate. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well.
Sodium oxybate will cause drowsiness and must be taken while you are in bed. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous activities for at least 6 hours after taking sodium oxybate. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Use caution when driving or doing anything else that requires you to be alert and awake.
Sodium oxybate must be taken at bedtime and again two and a half to four hours later. This medicine works very fast and should be taken while you are sitting in bed ready for sleep. Prepare both doses while you are getting ready for bed, so that you will not have to get up to prepare the second dose. Place the second dose next to your bed so you can take it without getting up. You will most likely need to set an alarm to awaken for the second dose.
Do not take other medicines that make you sleepy (such as alcohol, cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxants, and medicine for depression or anxiety).
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sodium oxybate?
It is dangerous to try and purchase sodium oxybate on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. The sale and distribution of sodium oxybate outside of the U.S. does not comply with the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the safe use of this medication.
Do not take sodium oxybate if you:
are taking another medication that causes drowsiness; or
have a rare metabolic disorder called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency.
To make sure you can safely take sodium oxybate, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
- liver disease;
heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease;
a history of alcohol or drug abuse;
a lung disorder such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis;
sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
depression or suicidal thoughts; or
mental illness such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
Sodium oxybate may be habit forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share sodium oxybate with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. FDA pregnancy category B. Sodium oxybate is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether sodium oxybate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take sodium oxybate?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Never take more than your prescribed dose of sodium oxybate. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Do not allow anyone else to use your medication.
Take sodium oxybate on an empty stomach several hours after a meal. It is important to take sodium oxybate at the same time each night.
Sodium oxybate must be taken at bedtime and again two and a half to four hours later. This medicine works very fast and should be taken while you are sitting in bed ready for sleep. Prepare both doses while you are getting ready for bed, so that you will not have to get up to prepare the second dose. Place the second dose next to your bed so you can take it without getting up. You will most likely need to set an alarm to awaken for the second dose.
Each dose of sodium oxybate must be mixed with two ounces (one quarter cup) of water in the child-resistant dosing cups provided with the medication. Both doses must be used within the same night. Throw away any sodium oxybate dose that has been mixed with water but not used within 24 hours of mixing.
You may need to be on a low-salt diet while you are using sodium oxybate, especially if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart disease.
Sodium oxybate is also known as GHB, a known street drug of abuse. Because of the potential for abuse and the serious side effects that may occur, sodium oxybate is available only through a special program. Your doctor will explain the risks and benefits of using sodium oxybate, and the medication will be delivered to you from a central pharmacy.
Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Do not stop using sodium oxybate suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using sodium oxybate. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Sodium oxybate is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.
After you have stopped using sodium oxybate, flush any unused medicine down the toilet.
See also: Sodium oxybate dosage (in more detail)
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but only at bedtime or during your normal sleeping hours. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme sleepiness or confusion, fainting, vomiting, sweating, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, slow heartbeat, or seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking sodium oxybate?
Sodium oxybate must not be taken with other drugs that are used for sleep or sedation.
Drinking alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by sodium oxybate. Sodium oxybate may impair your thinking or reactions. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous activities for at least 6 hours after taking sodium oxybate. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Use caution when driving or doing anything else that requires you to be alert and awake.
Sodium oxybate side effects
Stop using sodium oxybate and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using sodium oxybate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
hallucinations or severe confusion;
shallow breathing;
sleepwalking; or
waking and confused behavior at night.
Less serious side effects may include:
agitation or paranoia;
problems with bladder or bowel control;
depression;
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
runny or stuffy nose and sore throat;
numbness or tingling;
tremors (uncontrolled shaking); or
blurred vision.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Sodium oxybate Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Narcolepsy:
Initial: 4.5 grams orally per day, divided into equal 2.25 gram doses, which are administered twice daily, 2.5 to 4 hours apart.
Maintenance: 6 to 9 grams orally each day (in patients with normal hepatic function), administered in 2 equally divided doses, 2.5 to 4 hours apart. Patients with decreased hepatic function may respond to lower maintenance doses, e.g. 4.5 grams per day.
When a higher maintenance dose is necessary, the dose should be increased by increments of 1.5 grams per day (0.75 grams per dose), at intervals no more frequently than once every 2 weeks.
Doses greater than 9 grams per day are not recommended.
Both doses for the day should be prepared at bedtime prior to ingesting any sodium oxybate. This is accomplished by diluting the sodium oxybate oral solution with 2 ounces (60 mL, 1/4 cup, or 4 tablespoonfuls) of water in the child resistant dosing cups. Each prepared dose of medication should be placed in a location that allows the patient to retrieve and administer the drug while remaining seated in bed. The patient may need to use an alarm clock to awaken for the second dose. After receiving each dose, the patient should lie down and remain in bed.
What other drugs will affect sodium oxybate?
Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by sodium oxybate. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with sodium oxybate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More sodium oxybate resources
- Sodium oxybate Side Effects (in more detail)
- Sodium oxybate Dosage
- Sodium oxybate Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Sodium oxybate Drug Interactions
- Sodium oxybate Support Group
- 28 Reviews for Sodium oxybate - Add your own review/rating
- sodium oxybate Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Sodium Oxybate Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Sodium Oxybate Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Xyrem Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Xyrem Consumer Overview
Compare sodium oxybate with other medications
- Cataplexy
- Fibromyalgia
- Narcolepsy
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about sodium oxybate.
See also: sodium oxybate side effects (in more detail)
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