Xyrem (Sodium Oxybate) Patient Information: Missed a Dose and What Should I Avoid at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Narcolepsy »

What is narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is the main symptom and is present in 100% of patients with narcolepsy. Other primary symptoms of narcolepsy include:

loss of muscle tone (cataplexy),
distorted perceptions (hypnagogic hallucinations), and
inability to move or talk (sleep paralysis).

Additional symptoms include disturbed nocturnal sleep and automatic behavior (patients carry out certain actions without conscious awareness). All of the symptoms of narcolepsy may be present in various combinations and degrees of severity.

Narcolepsy usually begins in teenagers or young adults and affects both sexes equally. The first symptom to appear is excessive daytime sleepiness, which may remain unrecognized for a long time in that it develops gradually over time. The other symptoms can follow excessive daytime sleepiness by months...

Read the Narcolepsy article »

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Xyrem Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose (Xyrem)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but only at bedtime or during your normal sleeping hours. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Xyrem)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme sleepiness or confusion, fainting, vomiting, sweating, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, slow heartbeat, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking sodium oxybate (Xyrem)?

Sodium oxybate must not be taken with other drugs that are used for sleep or sedation.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking sodium oxybate. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by sodium oxybate.

Sodium oxybate can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous activities for at least 6 hours after taking sodium oxybate. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Use caution when driving or doing anything else that requires you to be alert and awake

What other drugs will affect sodium oxybate (Xyrem)?

Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by sodium oxybate. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with sodium oxybate. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about sodium oxybate.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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