Xyrem ratings & reviews

Sodium Oxybate (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate Or Ghb)
Company: 
Brand: Xyrem
Drug class: Central and Peripheral Nervous System
+3 more
Central and Peripheral Nervous System, Psychoanaleptics Excluding Anti-obesity Agents, Narcolepsy Agents, GABA-Receptor Modulators

Sermo AI Overview

  • Despite differing views on efficacy, many agree that Xyrem can be a valuable treatment option for cataplexy if patients adhere to the prescribed guidelines. Pediatricians, in particular, rate it highly for children over 7 years old.
  • Healthcare professionals have mixed opinions on Xyrem's overall efficacy for cataplexy and narcolepsy, with varied experiences reported across specialties. While some find it effective, others express concerns about side effects and prescribing challenges.
  • Accessibility remains a significant hurdle for Xyrem due to complex insurance requirements and strict dosing schedules, which may adversely affect patient adherence to the treatment regimen.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Xyrem contains the active ingredient sodium oxybate in the form of a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. The drug is formulated as an oral solution with a concentration of 0.5 g of sodium oxybate per mL. It includes malic acid to neutralize the pH to 7.5. The solution is intended for oral administration.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. This medication is taken at night as 2 separate doses. Take the first dose at bedtime, while you are in bed. Lie down right away after taking the dose and remain in bed. Take the second dose 2.5 to 4 hours after the first dose. You may need to set an alarm clock to wake up. Mix each dose with one-fourth cup of water in the provided containers. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 7 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share it with anyone. It is only for you. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law. Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original container. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date. After mixing a dose of this medication with water, the medication should be taken within 24 hours. Get rid of any unused and diluted medication. This medication may cause harm and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it or it is expired. You can do this in two ways: -Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location. -If you cannot return the medication, flush it down the toilet.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake -Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression -Sleep apnea—loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, daytime sleepiness -Sleepwalking Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Bedwetting -Dizziness -Headache -Loss of appetite -Nausea -Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Depression -Diet low in salt -Frequently drink alcohol -Heart disease -High blood pressure -History of substance use disorder -Kidney disease -Liver disease -Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD -Mental health conditions -Sleep apnea -Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency -Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt -An unusual or allergic reaction to sodium oxybate, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following: -Alcohol -Medications that help you fall asleep This medication may also interact with the following: -Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepam, or lorazepam -Certain antihistamines -Certain medications for depression, such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline, or trazodone -Certain medications for seizures such as divalproex sodium, phenobarbital, primidone, valproic acid -Medications that cause drowsiness before a procedure, such as propofol -Medications that relax muscles -Opioids for pain or cough -Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. This medication has a risk of abuse and dependence. Your care team will check you for this while you take this medication. This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not engage in activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, for at least 6 hours after taking this medication. You may fall asleep quickly after taking this medication. Remain in bed and do not attempt to sit or stand up. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects. You may do unusual sleep behaviors or activities you do not remember the day after taking this medication. Activities include driving, making or eating food, talking on the phone, sexual activity, or sleep walking. Stop taking this medication and call your care team right away if you find out you have done activities like this. This medication may cause thoughts of suicide or depression. This includes sudden changes in mood, behaviors, or thoughts. These changes can happen at any time but are more common in the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose. Call your care team right away if you experience these thoughts or worsening depression.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

Misuse of this medicine can cause addiction or overdose. Take it exactly as prescribed. Store it in a safe place to prevent stealing or abuse. It is illegal to sell it or give it away. This drug is a CNS depressant. It can cause deadly breathing problems. It can also cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car, use heavy machinery, or do other activities where you need to be fully awake for at least 6 hours after you take a dose. This risk is greatest when you first start taking it. The risk is also high if you take other drugs that cause drowsiness like narcotic pain drugs, narcotic cough drugs, benzodiazepines, other drugs for sleep, and muscle relaxants. Do not drink alcohol. Tell your health care provider about all the drugs you take, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins. Get emergency help right away if you have trouble breathing or are unusually tired or sleepy.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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