home > drugs a-z list > xyrem (sodium oxybate) drug center > xyrem (sodium oxybate) drug - consumer side effects and precautions

Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, increased sweating, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: difficult/slow/shallow breathing (especially during sleep), mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, psychosis, hallucinations, agitation, depression, rare thoughts of suicide), bedwetting, weakness, ringing in the ears.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: sleepwalking.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking sodium oxybate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain rare metabolic condition (succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, breathing problems (e.g., sleep apnea), personal/family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, heart problems (e.g., heart failure, high blood pressure), mental/mood problems (e.g., depression, family/personal history of suicidal thoughts/attempts).

Sleep disorders may decrease your ability to react quickly. Though sodium oxybate helps keep you awake during the day, you still may not be able to safely perform task that require alertness (e.g., driving, flying). This drug may also make you dizzy. For these reasons, do not drive, use machinery, or do any other activity that requires alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Always use great care when doing these activities, and avoid them completely during the first 6 hours after you take this medication. Avoid alcoholic beverages because they increase the risk of serious side effects.

This medication contains sodium. Consult your doctor for more information if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if you have a condition that could be worsened by increased salt intake (e.g., congestive heart failure, high blood pressure)

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the reduced ability to drive/use machinery.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.