Xyrem

Xyrem is the brand name for the prescription medication sodium oxybate, which is used mainly to treat narcolepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and abnormal REM sleep phenomena. It is also sometimes prescribed for cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle tone often associated with narcolepsy. Xyrem is a central nervous system depressant that affects the brain’s transmission of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), producing sedative and sleep-promoting effects.

Sodium oxybate was initially developed in the 1960s and was later approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 for the treatment of narcolepsy. It is administered orally in divided doses, typically taken at bedtime and during the night, to help consolidate sleep and reduce symptoms. Due to its potency and potential for misuse, Xyrem is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance under federal law in the United States.

The medication’s mechanism involves modulation of GABA receptors, which helps to improve sleep architecture by increasing slow-wave sleep and reducing REM sleep disturbances. However, Xyrem has significant safety considerations, including the risk of respiratory depression, sleepwalking, and potential for abuse. Patients using Xyrem require careful monitoring by healthcare providers to manage dosing and monitor for adverse effects.

Xyrem is supplied as a liquid, and due to its high risk of misuse, it is only available through a restricted distribution program known as the Xyrem REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy). It is generally prescribed by sleep specialists or neurologists familiar with the management of narcolepsy and related conditions.