For narcolepsy.
Brand Name(s): Xyrem
Generic Name: Sodium Oxybate
Instructions
Mix each dose with 2 ounces (60 mL) of water.
Drink the medicine.
Take the medicine on an empty stomach.
Empty stomach means waiting at least 2 hours after a meal.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you forget to take the dose at bedtime or do not wake up to take the second dose on time, return to your normal dosing schedule the next evening. Do not take the missed dose in the morning. Do not take 2 doses of this medicine at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
If you need to stop this medicine, your doctor may wish to gradually reduce the dosage before stopping.
This medicine contains sodium. If you are on a low sodium diet, consider this as part of your total sodium diet.
If you have been told to follow a low sodium diet, speak to your doctor before using this medicine.
Cautions
This medicine can be habit-forming. If you use this medicine regularly for a long time, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop. Please use this medicine only as directed.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
It is very important that you carefully measure the amount of medicine you take. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist should show you the correct way to measure this medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that requires alertness for at least 6 hours after you take this medication. After 6 hours, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that requires alertness until you are able to do so safely.
Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.
This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Call your doctor right away if you notice slow or shallow breathing.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
The side effects may improve with continued use.
Always refill this medicine before it runs out.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- bed wetting
- diarrhea
- dizziness or drowsiness
- headaches
- nausea and vomiting
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
- sweating
If you have any of the following side effects, you may be getting too much medicine. Please contact your doctor to let them know about these side effects.
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
- decreased awareness or responsiveness
- breathing interruption during sleep
- slow or shallow breathing
- confusion
- depression or feeling sad
- fainting
- hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- rapid heartbeat
- mood changes
- sleep walking
- suicidal thoughts
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about SODIUM OXYBATE SOLUTION - ORAL
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Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
