• Image of Xyrem medication Image of Xyrem medication

    • SODIUM OXYBATE (Generic for XYREM)

SODIUM OXYBATE (SOE dee um OX i bate) treats narcolepsy. It works by decreasing daytime sleepiness, which can help you sleep better at night. It also reduces the number of episodes of sudden muscle weakness (cataplexy).

SODIUM OXYBATE (Generic for XYREM) Lifestyle Interactions

  • Sodium Oxybate (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate Or Ghb) 0.5g/1mL, Oral solution

    • Interaction: Alcohol
    • Severity: Severe
    • Notes for Consumers: Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Drinking alcohol while taking this medication can cause serious side effects, such as central nervous system (CNS) depression, and can increase the risk of falling. Call emergency services right away if you experience symptoms of CNS depression: slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake.
    • Notes for Professionals: Alcohol is contraindicated in patients using sodium oxybate or other oxybates. Dangerous, additive CNS depressant effects are possible, including respiratory depression. Patients should be strongly warned against the use of any alcohol-containing beverages in conjunction with oxybates.

  • Sodium Oxybate (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate Or Ghb) 0.5g/1mL, Oral solution

    • Interaction: Cannabis
    • Severity: Major
    • Notes for Consumers: Discuss cannabis use with your care team. The effects of your medication may be altered if used with cannabis. Call emergency services right away if you experience slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, or trouble staying awake.
    • Notes for Professionals: Advise patients to avoid cannabis use while taking CNS depressants due to the risk for additive CNS depression and potential for other cognitive adverse reactions.

  • Sodium Oxybate (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate Or Ghb) 0.5g/1mL, Oral solution

    • Interaction: Caffeine-containing Foods/Beverages
    • Severity: Moderate
    • Notes for Consumers: Limit caffeine intake (examples: coffee, teas, colas, chocolate and some herbal supplements) while taking this medication. Also avoid medicines containing additional Caffeine whenever possible. Side effects from these drugs may be additive. Taking a high amount of Caffeine can increase the risk of nausea, nervousness, palpitations, problems with sleep, rapid heartbeat, or other side effects.
    • Notes for Professionals: Caffeine should be avoided or used cautiously with oxybates. Monitor for potential side effects such as nervousness, irritability, insomnia, and/or cardiac arrhythmias.

  • Sodium Oxybate (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate Or Ghb) 0.5g/1mL, Oral solution

    • Interaction: Food
    • Severity: Moderate
    • Notes for Consumers: You must take the first dose of this medicine each night at bedtime while in bed and at least 2 hours after eating any food. You should eat your evening foods and take your medicine at roughly the same times each night to avoid interactions.
    • Notes for Professionals: Oxybates should be administered on an empty stomach. Patients should administer their first bedtime dose at least 2 hours after eating and take their bedtime dosages at a consistent time in relation to meals each night. Food significantly decreases the bioavailability of sodium oxybate and other oxybates.

DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.