Xywav
Cataplexy, Narcolepsy, Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Treatment
9 Active Studies for Xywav
Treatment for
Cataplexy
What is Xywav
Sodium oxybate
The Generic name of this drug
Treatment Summary
Gamma hydroxybutyric acid, also known as GHB, is a medication used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy. It is currently regulated in the US by the FDA and sold by Jazz Pharmaceuticals under the name Xyrem. While GHB is illegal in many countries, Xyrem is classified as a Schedule III drug in the US, but the illicit use of Xyrem can still result in Schedule I drug penalties. GHB is a naturally occurring substance found in small amounts in the central nervous system, wine, beef, and small citrus fruits. It is
Xyrem
is the brand name
Xywav Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Xyrem
Sodium oxybate
2002
3
Effectiveness
How Xywav Affects Patients
GHB works on two areas of the central nervous system. It stimulates one area (the excitatory GHB receptor) and has a mild effect on another (the inhibitory GABAB receptor). Because GHB is a natural substance, it acts similarly to certain chemicals already in the brain. It is likely made from GABA in some neurons and released when those neurons fire.
How Xywav works in the body
GHB binds to certain receptors in the brain and causes a range of effects. It can be calming and sedative at low doses, but can also be stimulating at higher doses. It can cause a sudden "rebound" effect after several hours of sleep, when the level of GHB in the brain decreases and the stimulating effects of the drug become more prominent. GHB also increases dopamine release, which can lead to feelings of pleasure or euphoria.
When to interrupt dosage
The proposed measure of Xywav is contingent upon the identified condition. The dosage fluctuates, depending on the technique of delivery outlined in the table below.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Narcolepsy
, 500.0 mg/mL
, Solution, Solution - Oral, Oral
Idiopathic Hypersomnia
, 500.0 mg/mL
, Solution, Solution - Oral, Oral
Cataplexy
, 500.0 mg/mL
, Solution, Solution - Oral, Oral
Warnings
Xywav Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Xywav.
Common Xywav 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.
Xywav Toxicity & Overdose Risk
Taking too much GHB can cause nausea, dizziness, confusion, agitation, vision problems, slowed breathing, memory loss, loss of consciousness, and even death in some cases.
Xywav Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Xywav?
Currently, there are no active trials researching the applications of Xywav in the treatment of any condition.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Cataplexy
0 Actively Recruiting
Idiopathic Hypersomnia
7 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 2
Narcolepsy
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1
Patient Q&A Section about xywav
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.
Is XYWAV a narcotic?
"Although Xywav is not classified as a narcotic, it can still be abused and has the potential to cause serious side effects. Xywav is only available from a certified pharmacy that participates in the Xywav REMS Program."
Answered by AI
Is XYWAV the same as GHB?
"The active drug ingredient in Xywav, sodium oxybate, is a form of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), which is illegal and has a high potential for misuse. Xywav is a controlled substance that can only be prescribed through a Risk Evaluation Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program."
Answered by AI
What is XYWAV medication used for?
"XYWAV is a medicine used to treat symptoms of narcolepsy, such as sudden onset of weak or paralyzed muscles (cataplexy), in people 7 years of age or older."
Answered by AI
Is XYWAV a stimulant?
"Xywav is a central nervous system depressant that can cause side effects such as headache, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, and anxiety. Provigil is a stimulant that can also cause side effects such as headache, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, and anxiety."
Answered by AI