Uses of Xyrem

Xyrem has the main ingredient is sodium oxybate 500mg/ml, belongs to the group of psychotropic drugs. Xyrem is commonly used in the treatment of patients with daytime drowsiness or excessive sleepiness (EDS) 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy (Narcolepsy). Understanding the basic information such as composition, indications, contraindications, dosage and side effects of Xyrem will help patients improve treatment results.

Xyrem medicine is prepared in the form of an oral solution, with the main ingredients including:
Active ingredient: Sodium oxybate 500 mg/ml. Excipients: Purified water, Malic acid and Sodium hydroxide. Mechanism of action:
Sodium oxybate is a central nervous system depressant, reducing excessive daytime sleepiness and insomnia in patients with narcolepsy (Narcolepsy) and correcting and reducing sleepiness. wake up at night. The exact mechanism by which sodium oxybate is still unknown, however some studies suggest that sodium oxybate is the sodium salt of Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), an endogenous compound and metabolite of the neurotransmitter GABA . It is hypothesized that the therapeutic effects of Xyrem on insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness are mediated through GABA activities at Noradrenergic and Dopaminergic neurons, as well as at neurons hills.

Xyrem is commonly used to treat cases of daytime drowsiness or excessive sleepiness (EDS) in adults, adolescents, and children 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy (Narcolepsy) with Cataplexy. Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that can include episodes of daytime sleepiness, as well as lightheadedness, sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and disturbed sleep. Cataplexy is an uncontrolled condition with the onset of sudden muscle weakness or paralysis without loss of consciousness, sudden emotional reactions such as anger, fear, joy, laughter or surprise. In people with narcolepsy, Cataplexy usually has one or two episodes a year, but more often.

Hypersensitivity to any component of Xyrem. History of allergy to other drugs containing sodium oxybate. The patient is being treated with sedative sleeping pills. The patient has severe depression. The patient uses too much alcohol. Patient has Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency*. Children < 7 years old or weighing less than 20 kg. It is a rare disorder caused by congenital metabolic errors characterized by mental retardation, decreased muscle tone, and ataxia.

Note:
Take Xyrem after meals from 2 to 3 hours. Read the Xyrem user manual carefully before using it.

Treatment with Xyrem in high doses or for a long time can cause side effects such as:
Common: Sleep problems including insomnia, abnormal dreams, sleep paralysis, drowsiness , nightmares, sleepwalking, bedwetting, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty falling asleep in the middle of the night. Nervous disorders such as feeling intoxicated, shaking, confusion, disorientation, blurred vision, balance disorder, fall, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness. Cardiovascular symptoms such as palpitations, increased blood pressure, shortness of breath. Digestive disturbances such as anorexia, decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea. Respiratory symptoms such as snoring, nasal congestion, sinusitis, and inflammation of the nose and throat. Other symptoms include weakness, fatigue, excessive sweating, attention disorders, disturbances in sensitivity especially to touch, abnormal taste, muscle cramps, swelling, joint pain, back pain, urinary incontinence. control, rash. Uncommon: Psychiatric disturbance may be associated with hallucinations, incoherent speech or disorganized behavior, paranoia, abnormal thinking, hallucinations, agitation, suicide attempts, difficulty falling asleep sleep, restless legs, forgetfulness, myoclonus, fecal incontinence, increased sensitivity. Frequency not known: Decreased breathing depth or rate, sleep apnea, suicidal thoughts, delusions, intentions to commit violent acts, seizures, irritability, aggression, mood euphoria, panic attacks, mania, bipolar disorder. Dry mouth, dehydration, increased libido, difficulty urinating, urgency, nocturia. Urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis. The drug should be stopped when detecting the above symptoms or other abnormalities after taking Xyrem and promptly inform the treating doctor about the use of Xyrem or immediately go to the nearest medical facility for timely treatment. .
Note the use of Xyrem in the following subjects:
Use caution when using Xyrem in people with breathing or lung problems, people with a history of or are suffering from depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety depression, psychosis, bipolar disorder, heart failure, hypertension, impaired liver and kidney function, people who are sensitive to high levels of sodium in the blood. Pregnancy: The risks of using Xyrem in pregnant women have not been well studied, however, a small number of cases of spontaneous abortion have been reported following use of the drug. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using Xyrem in this population. Lactation: Studies have shown that the active ingredient in Xyrem sodium oxybate can pass into breast milk. Therefore, the use of Xyrem should only be considered if the potential benefit outweighs the possible risk to the child. Drivers or workers who operate machinery may experience a side effect such as blurred vision, headache, dizziness, drowsiness... after using Xyrem, so it is recommended not to use Xyrem. before entering while working.

Interactions with other drugs:
Combining Xyrem with sedatives such as Lorazepam may increase the drowsiness effect. Using high doses of Xyrem with Tramadol can cause depression or respiratory depression. The incidence of adverse reactions was increased when Xyrem was used concomitantly with tricyclic antidepressants. Using high doses of Xyrem with Topiramate increases the risk of coma and increases plasma concentrations of Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Using high doses of Xyrem with GHB Dehydrogenase inhibitors increases cognitive impairment and causes drowsiness. Drugs such as Modafinil , Omeprazol , Ibuprofen , Diclofenac ... usually do not affect the effect of Xyrem . Above is the necessary information about Xyrem's ingredients, uses, dosage and side effects or notes. Patients and family members should carefully read the instructions on the package of Xyrem and consult their treating doctor before deciding to use it.