Sodium oxybate

Generic Name : Sodium oxybate

TradeName : Xyrem

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : It is a central nervous system depressant. It is used to treat daytime sleepiness in patients with narcolepsy , and sudden muscular weakness called cataplexy.

When it is to be taken : It must be taken exactly as prescribed by the physician . It should be taken at bedtime and again 2 and a half hours later.

How it should be taken : Each dose has to be mixed with a quarter cup of water in the container supplied with the drug. Both the doses must be used the same night. Any remaining drug must be thrown away.

Special Instruction :
It is a habit forming drug. It is called the street drug of abuse. Therefore it is available only through a special program and the treatment can be carried out only under strict monitoring by a doctor. Avoid drinking alcohol, driving and operating machinery.
Special precautions in liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease , history of alcohol or drug abuse, asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis, sleep apnea, mental illness such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Side Effects :
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, agitation,numbness,tremors, blurred vision. Other serious side effects are hallucinations, sleepwalking, confusion,shallow breathing. Consult the doctor if these symptoms occur.

Other Precautions :
Contraindicated in hypersensitivity, and a rare metabolic disorder called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency.

Storage Conditions :
Store as per instructions and keep out of reach of children