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Drug Interactions between suvorexant and Xyrem

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

sodium oxybate suvorexant

Applies to: Xyrem (sodium oxybate) and suvorexant

Using sodium oxybate together with suvorexant is not recommended. Combining these medications can significantly increase the risk of serious side effects such as respiratory depression, low blood pressure, fainting, coma, and even death. You should avoid the use of alcohol while being treated with either of these medications. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how your medications affect you, and do not exceed the dosage or frequency of use prescribed by your doctor. For sodium oxybate, the manufacturer recommends specifically that you not drive a car, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous activities for at least 6 hours after taking a dose. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Drug and food interactions

Major

sodium oxybate food

Applies to: Xyrem (sodium oxybate)

Food may interfere with the absorption of sodium oxybate. You should wait at least 2 hours after eating before you take the first dose. Avoid alcohol during treatment, as it may add to the central nervous system effects of sodium oxybate and increase the risk of serious side effects such as respiratory depression, low blood pressure, fainting, coma, and even death. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous activities for at least six hours after taking sodium oxybate and until you know how the medication affects you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Moderate

suvorexant food

Applies to: suvorexant

Food can delay the absorption of suvorexant, which may increase the amount of time it takes for the medication to work. For faster sleep onset, do not take suvorexant with or soon after a meal. Suvorexant should also not be taken with grapefruit juice, as it may significantly increase the levels of medication in the blood. This can increase the risk of side effects including excessive drowsiness, motor impairment, amnesia, anxiety, hallucinations, and breathing difficulties (especially if you have a respiratory disorder such as asthma or obstructive sleep apnea). Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. You should avoid the use of alcohol while being treated with suvorexant. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you, and do not exceed the dosage or frequency of use prescribed by your doctor. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Duplication

Hypnotics

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'hypnotics' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'hypnotics' category:

  • suvorexant
  • Xyrem (sodium oxybate)

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

See also

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer