Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Sodium Oxybate
Other Names: Xyrem Oral Solution
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Xyrem Oral Solution? (Back to top)
SODIUM OXYBATE is used to treat excessive sleepiness and cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy. Cataplexy causes a sudden muscle weakness due to a strong emotional response. This medicine is not available in retail pharmacies. Your doctor will enroll you in a program that will provide the drug to you. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• depression, psychosis, or other mood disorders
• heart disease or high blood pressure
• if you frequently drink alcohol containing beverages
• if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse
• liver disease
• lung disease or difficulty breathing
• seizures
• succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency
• thoughts of suicide
• an unusual or allergic reaction to sodium oxybate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Do not take with food. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

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.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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? (Back to top)
Skip the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Allow at least two and one-half hours between each nightly dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• alcohol
• barbiturates, like phenobarbital
• medicines commonly used for anxiety, sedation or insomnia

• bupropion
• dronabinol or marijuana
• medicines for psychosis or severe mood disturbances
• muscle relaxants
• other stimulants, although these are commonly used with sodium oxybate
• prescription pain medicines, including tramadol

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers 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 side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• confusion
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• increased blood pressure, particularly if you already have high blood pressure
• memory loss
• seizures
• sleepwalking
• tremors or shaking movements
• urinary incontinence

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• increased urination
• nausea, vomiting or stomach upset
• unusual dreams

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.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
The use of this medicine requires careful supervision. Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine if you have been taking it for a long time. Withdrawal symptoms may occur. Your doctor or health care professional may need to slowly stop your doses.

This medicine may affect your concentration or function. Let your doctor or health care professional know if you have increased sleepiness or confusion during the day.

This medicine causes sleep very quickly. You should only take this drug at bedtime, while in bed. Do not drive a car, operate heavy machinery or perform any activities that require mental alertness for at least 6 hours after taking this drug. Use extreme care in any such daily activities until you know how this medicine affects you.

Because alcohol may interfere with this medicine and may cause serious side effects, you must avoid alcohol-containing beverages while on this medicine. Do not take this medicine along with sleep medicines or other drugs with strong sedative effects, serious side effects may occur.

This medicine can be dangerous in overdose. If you take more than prescribed or take it by accident, get emergency medical help right away.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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.

Last Updated:April 03, 2008

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