What is XYREM®?
XYREM is a medication approved for the treatment of excessive (too much) daytime sleepiness and the treatment of cataplexy (weak or paralyzed muscles), both in patients with narcolepsy. In studies with XYREM, about 80 percent of patients were also taking stimulants (medicines that help keep you alert). ( See BOXED WARNING)
XYREM is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
You can get XYREM only by prescription. You must get it through SDS Pharmacy. Before you first receive XYREM, your doctor or SDS Pharmacy will confirm that you understand how to use the drug safely and effectively.
XYREM is approved for adults. XYREM has not been studied in patients younger than 16 years old. It is very important to keep XYREM out of reach of children and pets.
Who should not take XYREM?
Do not take XYREM if you are taking sedatives (medicines that calm you down) or sleep medicines (medicines that cause sleepiness). Do not take XYREM if you have a rare condition called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency.
Tell your doctor if you:
- Have or have had depression.
- Have tried to hurt yourself or have thoughts about hurting yourself.
- Have liver problems.
- Have sleep apnea (short periods of not breathing while sleeping).
- Have snoring, breathing, or lung problems.
- Are on a low-salt diet or have high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney problems.
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
- Are breast-feeding.
In studies with XYREM, about 80 percent of patients were also taking stimulants (medicines that help keep you alert). (See BOXED WARNING)
If you have been prescribed XYREM, see Getting Started with XYREM for information and tips on how to safely fill, take, and store your XYREM prescription.
