Sodium oxybate and Alcohol/Food Interactions

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.

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.

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.