How Should I Take XYREM?
Take XYREM exactly as your doctor has told you to. Take the first dose at bedtime. Take the second dose 2½ to 4 hours later. Take both doses while in bed.
The recommended starting dose is 4.5 g/night. This is divided into 2 equal doses of 2.25 g. The effective dose range of XYREM is 6 to 9 g/night.
How do I prepare my XYREM® doses?
Follow the directions in the Medication Guide carefully to prepare your XYREM doses.
Before going to bed:
- Draw up each XYREM dose with the liquid measuring syringe. Be sure you can see the correct dose on the measuring syringe.
- Empty the doses into the 2 dosing cups.
- Mix each dose of XYREM with about 2 oz. or approximately ¼ cup of water.
- Place the child-resistant caps onto the dosing cups.
- Put both doses in a safe place close to your bed. Put them in a place that is easy for you to reach. The doses should be out of reach of children and pets.
It is very important that you draw up and take the correct dose that has been prescribed for you. If you have trouble, call the XYREM Success Program at 1-866-997-3688 or your doctor.
Taking your doses
- Food will decrease the amount of XYREM that is absorbed. Therefore, you should allow about two hours after a meal before taking your first dose of XYREM.
- XYREM is a medicine that produces sleepiness; therefore, as a safety precaution, it is best to be in bed when you take your first dose. As with any medicine that causes sleepiness, if you continue evening activities after taking your dose, such as watching television or walking around, you may experience light-headedness, dizziness, nausea, confusion or other unpleasant feelings.
- Set an alarm to go off 4 hours after your first dose to wake you up for your second dose. If you wake up before the alarm and it has been at least 2½ hours since your first dose, turn off your alarm and take your second dose.
What if I miss or skip the second dose?
It is very important to take both doses each night, as prescribed. If you miss the second dose, skip that dose. Do not take XYREM again until the next night. Never take both XYREM doses at once.
Can I mix XYREM with liquids other than water?
XYREM has only been studied when it’s mixed with water.
Do I need to mix my XYREM with more water if my dose increases?
2 oz. or approximately ¼ cup of water is enough to add to each XYREM dose. This is true even if your XYREM dose is raised.
How long will it take to see a change in my symptoms while taking XYREM?
Your symptoms may improve in the first few weeks after you start XYREM. However, it may take longer to find the dose that is right for you.
Is XYREM available in a pill or capsule?
XYREM only comes in liquid form. There is no pill or capsule form of XYREM.
Will I be able to wake up in an emergency?
In one study, it took a louder sound to wake up people who took XYREM, when the amount of XYREM in their bodies was at its highest level. However, the sound level was still typical for many alarms.
What are some of the possible side effects with XYREM?
In clinical trials, the most common side effects with XYREM were:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Throwing up
- Sleepiness
- Bed-wetting
- Sore throat
In all clinical studies ten percent of patients dropped out of the study early because of side effects. The most common reasons for dropping out were feeling nauseous, feeling dizzy and throwing up. These side effects may get worse at higher doses.
If you experience the following side effects while using XYREM, you should call your doctor immediately:
- Breathing problems. These can include decreased breathing or trouble breathing. They can also include sleep apnea, which means short periods of not breathing while asleep. Patients who already have breathing or lung problems have a higher chance of breathing problems with XYREM.
- Mental health problems. These can include confusion, psychosis (believing, seeing, or hearing things that are not real), abnormal thinking, agitation (being emotionally very disturbed or upset), or depression. They can also include thoughts of killing yourself or an attempt to kill yourself.
- Bed-wetting or sleepwalking. Call your doctor if you experience these side effects. He or she may need to rule out some other illness.
These are not the only possible side effects with XYREM. If you are concerned about any possible side effects with XYREM, talk with your doctor.
You are encouraged to report any side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
To report a medical issue or side effect when taking XYREM, please call Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ Drug Safety & Medical Information toll-free number at 1-800-520-5568.
Can I take XYREM with other medicines?
Do not take XYREM with other medicines that help you sleep or cause drowsiness. Taking XYREM with these medicines can result in very severe sleepiness and trouble breathing.
Do not start or stop any medicine unless you check with your doctor first. Check with your doctor before you change the dose of any medicine.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all your other medicines. This includes medicines and vitamins you get without a prescription. It also includes herbal, nutritional, or dietary supplements.
Make sure to tell all of your doctors that you are taking XYREM. Do this before you start or change any medicines.
Talk with a XYREM Patient Connection Mentor
The XYREM Patient Connection program provides an opportunity for you to talk one-on-one with a mentor who has been diagnosed with excessive daytime sleepiness and/or cataplexy with narcolepsy, and has been treated with XYREM.
