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What is Xyrem
Sodium oxybateThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummarySodium oxybate (Xyrem) is a medication used to treat cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy. It is a form of gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a natural chemical found in the body and a metabolite of the neurotransmitter GABA. Its purpose is not fully understood, but it is believed that it works by affecting nerve cells in the brain. Sodium oxybate has a complicated way of being absorbed by the body and has a risk of being misused, so it is strictly regulated and requires people to sign up for the sodium oxybate REMs
Xyremis the brand name
Xyrem Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Xyrem
Sodium oxybate
2002
3
Effectiveness
How Xyrem Affects PatientsSodium oxybate can help people with narcolepsy sleep better at night and be more alert during the day, as well as helping to reduce cataplexy. Higher doses can reduce excessive daytime sleepiness. Research suggests that sodium oxybate helps people sleep more deeply and continuously. It is a type of central nervous system depressant, meaning it can cause serious breathing problems and carries a risk of substance misuse, abuse, addiction, withdrawal, and overdoses. Sodium oxybate also increases dopamine levels and serotonin turnover, and stimulates growth hormone release. This makes it a potential target for misuse as a bodybuilding supplement. In people
How Xyrem works in the bodySodium oxybate works by activating certain receptors in the body, which releases a nerve-stimulating chemical called glutamate. At higher doses, it activates receptors that help regulate sleep-wake cycles, attention and vigilance. It also changes into GABA, which helps modulate two other types of receptors.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested dose of Xyrem is determined by the diagnosed condition, such as Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, Narcolepsy and Cataplexy. The quantity of dosage is adjustable contingent upon the method of delivery listed in the table underneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Narcolepsy
, 500.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Idiopathic Hypersomnia
, 500.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Cataplexy
, 500.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Warnings
Xyrem ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Common Xyrem Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Azelastine
Major
Sodium oxybate may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.
Ethanol
Major
Sodium oxybate may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Ethanol.
Oliceridine
Major
The risk or severity of hypotension, sedation, death, somnolence, and respiratory depression can be increased when Sodium oxybate is combined with Oliceridine.
Thalidomide
Major
Sodium oxybate may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Thalidomide.
Daridorexant
Minor
The risk or severity of CNS depression can be increased when Sodium oxybate is combined with Daridorexant.
Xyrem Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of GHB in rats is 9690 mg/kg. If someone takes an excessive amount of GHB, they may become disoriented, confused, agitated, and/or unresponsive, and have trouble with motor skills, blurred vision, sweating, and headaches. They may also experience deeper levels of unconsciousness, seizures, slow or shallow breathing, a slow heart rate, and/or low body temperature. In rare cases, an overdose can be fatal. There is no cure for GHB overdose and treatment consists of supportive care and possible decontamination.
Xyrem Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Xyrem?
17 active trials are presently assessing the potential of Xyrem to address Cataplexy, Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Narcolepsy.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Cataplexy
3 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable
Idiopathic Hypersomnia
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4, Not Applicable
Narcolepsy
10 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 1
Xyrem Reviews: What are patients saying about Xyrem?
4.7Patient Review
3/20/2016 This medication has been vital in helping me to keep my job. I have narcolepsy with cataplexy, and without this drug I would constantly be asleep.
4.3Patient Review
9/21/2014 This medicine has changed my life for the better. It took some time to get the dosage right, but now that I have, I sleep better than ever and no longer experience fibro-like symptoms.
4.3Patient Review
1/24/2015 I've taken Zyrem for eight years now. The main active ingredient is salt, so make sure you stay hydrated while taking it! It's also very short-acting, which I appreciate.
2.7Patient Review
2/20/2014 This drug can be difficult to predict; sometimes it works well, other times you're in for a long night of pain. I also don't love that you have to get up in the middle of the night to take another dose.
2.7Patient Review
5/12/2014 I was only able to get three hours of sleep each time I took this medication, but the side effects weren't worth it.
1Patient Review
4/3/2021 I was really out of it for the months I took this medication, and lost a lot of weight. It got to the point where my family was taking pictures with me at Thanksgiving, but not with anyone else. That's when I knew I had to stop.
Patient Q&A Section about xyrem
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What does Xyrem do to the body?
"Xyrem slows down activity in your central nervous system, which is called CNS depression. Even when you take Xyrem at the doses your doctor prescribes, the drug causes this side effect. CNS depression can affect your motor skills, judgment, and thinking."
Answered by AI
What kind of drug is Xyrem?
"The prescription drug Xyrem is the sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). GHB is a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act and has not been approved for any medical use. GHB has the potential for abuse, such as in cases of sexual assault."
Answered by AI
Is Xyrem a narcotic?
"Xyrem has a high potential for abuse and is available only from a certified doctor and pharmacy. It is known by the street name GHB and is not a narcotic."
Answered by AI
Is Xyrem addictive?
"Xyrem may impede or discontinue your respiration, even at customary amounts or on the off chance that you are likewise taking stimulant medication. Xyrem might be addictive. Abuse can bring about dependence, overdose, or demise. Keep the medication in a spot where others can't get to it."
Answered by AI