Sodium oxybate
Generic name: sodium oxybate [ SO-dee-um-OX-i-bate ]
Brand name: Xyrem
Dosage form: oral liquid (500 mg/mL)
Drug class:Miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics
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 caused by narcolepsy in adults and children at least 7 years old.
Sodium oxybate is also known as GHB, a known street drug of abuse. Because of the potential for abuse and serious side effects, sodium oxybate is available only from a certified pharmacy under a special program. Your doctor must be registered in the program in order to prescribe sodium oxybate for you.
Sodium oxybate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Sodium oxybate can slow or stop your breathing, even at regular doses or if you are also taking stimulant medicines.
Misuse of sodium oxybate can cause breathing problems, seizure, loss of consciousness, or death. Sodium oxybate is available only from a certified pharmacy. Do not allow anyone else to use your medication.
Fatal side effects can occur if you use sodium oxybate with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.
Avoid taking other medicines that make you sleepy or slow your breathing. This includes cold or allergy medicine, opioid pain medicine, sedatives, muscle relaxants, seizure medicine, or medicine for depression, anxiety, or mental illness. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you need to use any of these other medicines.
Before taking this medicine
Do not drink alcohol or take other sleep medicines together with sodium oxybate. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.
Do not give sodium oxybate to anyone who has a rare metabolic disorder called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (which can cause mental or physical impairment).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a breathing disorder such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis;
snoring, or sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
depression or suicidal thoughts;
mental illness or unusual behaviors (anxiety, agitation, paranoia, aggression, hallucinations);
a d...
