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Sodium oxybate

Generic name: sodium oxybate [ SOE-dee-um-OX-i-bate ]
Brand names: Lumryz, Xyrem
Dosage forms: oral granule for reconstitution, extended release (4.5 g; 6 g; 7.5 g; 9 g), oral liquid (500 mg/mL)
Drug class: Miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 7, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is sodium oxybate?

Sodium oxybate is used to treat sudden weak or paralyzed muscles (cataplexy) and excessive daytime sleepiness caused by narcolepsy in adults and children at least 7 years old.

Sodium oxybate is available only under a special program. You must be registered in the program and understand the risks and benefits of sodium oxybate.

Sodium oxybate oral suspension is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Sodium oxybate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Sodium oxybate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This medicine can slow or stop your breathing, and death may occur. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have serious breathing problems.

Tell your doctor right away if you have new or sudden changes in mood or behavior, including new or worse depression or anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more active or talkative, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Sodium oxybate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of sodium oxybate may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Sodium oxybate side effects (more detail)

Warnings

MISUSE OF sodium oxybate CAN CAUSE SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS, ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep this medicine where others cannot get to it.

Fatal side effects may occur if you also drink alcohol or use other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow breathing.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some drugs should not be used with sodium oxybate.

Avoid driving, hazardous activity, or anything that requires you to be alert for at least 6 hours until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Before taking this medicine

Do not drink alcohol or take other sedatives (medicine that make you drowsy) together with sodium oxybate.

Do not take sodium oxybate if you have a rare disorder called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking sodium oxybate. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.

Do not allow a young child to use sodium oxybate without help from an adult.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take sodium oxybate?

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Never use sodium oxybate in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of sodium oxybate.

Sodium oxybate may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Keep the medication where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Sodium oxybate suspension is taken once daily at bedtime. Sodium oxybate solution is taken as 2 doses, once daily at bedtime and again 2.5 to 4 hours later.

Take this medicine at least 2 hours after a meal.

Take sodium oxybate only only when you are ready to go sleep and are sitting in bed. This medicine works quickly. Most people fall asleep within 5 to 15 minutes.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Be sure you understand how to properly mix sodium oxybate with water and how to store the mixture. Talk to your pharmacist if you don't understand these instructions or have any questions.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Do not use hot water to prepare the mixture.

Make sure you prepare all doses of sodium oxybate while getting ready for bedtime. After preparing the mixture for all doses, place them in a secure location at the bedside until it is time to administer while remaining in bed.

You may need to set an alarm to wake up to give the second dose of the oral solution.

Sodium oxybate has a high amount of sodium (salt). You may need to follow a special diet. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods you should eat or avoid.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.

You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using sodium oxybate suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

This medicine is stable for only a certain amount of time after being mixed. Throw away any medicine not used within that time.

Store any unmixed sodium oxybate in the original package, at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not keep leftover medicine. Just one dose can cause death in someone using it accidentally or improperly. Ask your pharmacist about a drug take-back program. You may also pour any unused liquid medicine down the sink drain.

Detailed Sodium oxybate dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Oral solution: If the second dose is missed, skip this dose and do not take another dose until the next night.

Oral suspension: Skip the missed dose and do not take another dose until the next day at bedtime.

Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of sodium oxybate can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include headache, sweating, vomiting, severe confusion, agitation, loss of balance or coordination, drop in body temperature, coma, blurred vision, trouble breathing, slow heart rate, muscle weakness, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking sodium oxybate?

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

Avoid driving, hazardous activity, or anything that requires you to be alert for at least 6 hours or until you know how sodium oxybate will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

What other drugs will affect sodium oxybate?

Using sodium oxybate with other drugs that make you drowsy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you need to use any of these other medicines.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect sodium oxybate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Sodium oxybate drug interactions (more detail)

Frequently asked questions

View more FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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