Sodium oxybate: a review of its use in the management of narcolepsy.

Article Details

Citation

Robinson DM, Keating GM

Sodium oxybate: a review of its use in the management of narcolepsy.

CNS Drugs. 2007;21(4):337-54. doi: 10.2165/00023210-200721040-00007.

PubMed ID
17381187 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) is the sodium salt of the CNS depressant gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and is therefore subject to prescription restrictions. It is approved in the US for the treatment of cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients with narcolepsy, and in the EU for the treatment of narcolepsy with cataplexy. Sodium oxybate is generally well tolerated and effective in the treatment of symptoms of narcolepsy with cataplexy. While its short half-life necessitates twice-nightly administration, it is highly effective in reducing the frequency of cataplexy, improving sleep architecture and reducing EDS in patients with narcolepsy. Sodium oxybate therefore offers a valuable alternative or addition to the use of TCAs, SSRIs and stimulants in the treatment of the symptoms of narcolepsy including cataplexy and EDS.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs
Drug Targets
DrugTargetKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
Sodium oxybateGamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) receptorProteinHumans
Unknown
Agonist
Details
Drug Interactions
DrugsInteraction
Sodium oxybate
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Sodium oxybate.
Sodium oxybate
Doxylamine
Doxylamine may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Sodium oxybate.
Sodium oxybate
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Sodium oxybate.
Sodium oxybate
Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Sodium oxybate.
Sodium oxybate
Magnesium sulfate
Magnesium sulfate may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Sodium oxybate.