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Xyrem and Alcohol/Food Interactions

There are 3 alcohol/food/lifestyle interactions with Xyrem (sodium oxybate).

Major

Sodium Oxybate Food

Major Food Interaction

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

Sodium Oxybate High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility

sodium oxybate - sensitivity to salt intake

Sodium oxybate has a high content of salt, and it should be used with caution in patients sensitive to salt intake such as patients with heart failure, hypertension, or renal impairment.

Moderate

Sodium Oxybate Obesity

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility

sodium oxybate - sleep apnea/respiratory depression

The use of sodium oxybate may impair the respiratory drive especially in patients with compromised respiratory function. Sodium oxybate should be used cautiously in patients with sleep apnea and sleep-related breathing disorders as there have been reports of increased central apneas and clinically relevant desaturation. Prescribers should be aware that sleep-related disorders tend to be more prevalent in obese patients, postmenopausal women not receiving hormone replacement therapy and also among patients with narcolepsy.

Xyrem drug interactions

There are 343 drug interactions with Xyrem (sodium oxybate).

Xyrem disease interactions

There are 6 disease interactions with Xyrem (sodium oxybate) which include:

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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.

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