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Xyrem is a prescription drug that is used to treat narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a condition that causes people to fall asleep frequently throughout the day.
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∙ 9y ago
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Can you take vicodin and xyrem within 2 hours of each other?
I had the same question! I just called my pharmacy and they said under NO circumstances to take Xyrem and Hydrocodone (Vicodin) together. Both Xyrem and Vicodin are CNS (central nervous system) Depressants and taking both together could result in respiratory arrest and death.
Cataplexy-how can it r treated?
well my doctor prescibed me anti depressents. i was sposed to be able to get xyrem for it to though.
Can your psychiatrist prescribe GHB?
There is no valid clinical indication for any psychiatrist to prescribe GHB (gamma-hydroxy-butyrate), unless you suffer from cataplexy (or very intractable insomnia). This compound is sold under the brand name Xyrem by Jazz Pharmaceuticals. It requires very careful monitoring. It is difficult to obtain, as only one pharmacy in the nation can dispense it (and ship it to patients). Currently, less than 1% of all psychiatrists have ever prescribed Xyrem. Sleep disorder specialists are more likely to prescribe Xyrem than other doctors.
Is it safey to take xyrem for narcolepsy?
Yes, as long as it is doctor prescribed and you work toghther patiently to find the righ dose. I have been on it for 4 years for narcolepsy
What happens if you run out of Xyrem for 2 nights?
This happened to me once before... and is currently happening now because due to hurricane Sandy, my delivery is being delayed by 2 days. When this happened before - I couldn't sleep at all! Your mind and body are so tired but it's incredibly hard to sleep.
What is GHB?
I believe you are referring to GHB, gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid is a naturally-occurring substance found in the central nervous system, wine, beef, small citrus fruits, and almost all animals in small amounts. It is also a neuroprotective therapeutic nutrient that is categorized as an illegal drug in many countries. It is currently regulated in the US and sold by Jazz Pharmaceuticals under the name Xyrem to treat cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with narcolepsy. GHB is naturally produced in the human body's cells and is structurally related to the ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate. As a supplement/drug, it is used most commonly in the form of a salt. GHB is also produced as a result of fermentation, and so is found in small quantities in some beers and wines.
Narcolepsy?
DefinitionNarcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes excessive sleepiness and frequent daytime sleep attacks.Alternative NamesDaytime sleep disorder; CataplexyCauses, incidence, and risk factorsNarcolepsy is a nervous system disorder, not a mental illness. Anxiety does not cause narcolepsy.Experts believe that narcolepsy is caused by reduced amounts of a protein called hypocretin, which is made in the brain. What causes the brain to produce less of this protein is unclear.Narcolepsy tends to run in families.Conditions that cause insomnia, such as disrupted work schedules, can make narcolepsy worse.SymptomsThe most common symptoms of narcolepsy are:Periods of extreme drowsiness every 3 to 4 hours during the day. You may feel a strong urge to sleep, often followed by a short nap (sleep attack). These periods last for about 15 minutes each, although they can be longer.They often happen after eating, but may occur while driving, talking to someone, or during other situations.You wake up feeling refreshed.Dream-like hallucinations may occur during the stage between sleep and wakefulness. They involve seeing or hearing, and possibly other senses.Sleep paralysis is when you are unable to move when you first wake up. It may also happen when you first become drowsy.Cataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle tone while awake, resulting in the inability to move. Strong emotions, such as laughter or anger, will often bring on cataplexy. Most attacks last for less than 30 seconds and can be missed.Your head will suddenly fall forward, your jaw will become slack, and your knees will buckle.In severe cases, a person may fall and stay paralyzed for as long as several minutes.Not all patients have all four symptoms.Signs and testsThe doctor will perform a physical exam and order blood work to rule out conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Conditions that can cause excessive sleepiness include:Insomnia and other sleep disordersRestless leg syndromeSeizuresSleep apneaOther medical, psychiatric, or nervous system diseasesOther tests may include:ECG (measures the heart's electrical activity)EEG (brain activity measurements)Monitoring of breathingGenetic testing to look for narcolepsy geneTests will also include a sleep study(polysomnogram). The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) may be used to help diagnose narcolepsy. This test measures how long it takes you to fall asleep during a daytime nap. Patients with narcolepsy fall asleep much faster than people without the condition.TreatmentThere is no known cure for narcolepsy. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms.Lifestyle adjustments and learning to cope with the emotional and other effects of the disorder may help you function better in work and social activities. This involves:Eating light or vegetarian meals during the day and avoiding heavy meals before important activitiesScheduling a brief nap (10 to 15 minutes) after meals, if possiblePlanning naps to control daytime sleep and reduce the number of unplanned, sudden sleep attacksInforming teachers and supervisors about the condition so you are not punished for being "lazy" at school or workYou may need to take prescription medications. The stimulant drug modafinil (Provigil) is the first choice of treatment for narcolepsy. It is much less likely to be abused than other stimulants. The medicine also helps you stay awake. Other stimulants include dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, DextroStat) and methylphenidate (Ritalin).Antidepressant medications can help reduce episodes of cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations. Antidepressants include:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxineTricyclic antidepressants such as protriptyline, clomipramine, imipramine, and desipramineSodium oxybate (Xyrem) is prescribed to certain patients for use at night.If you have narcolepsy, you may have driving restrictions. Restrictions vary from state to state.Expectations (prognosis)Narcolepsy is a chronic, lifelong condition. It is not a deadly illness, but it may be dangerous if episodes occur during driving, operating machinery, or similar activities. Narcolepsy can usually be controlled with treatment. Treating other underlying sleep disorders can improve symptoms of narcolepsy.ComplicationsInjuries and accidents, if attacks occur during activitiesImpairment of functioning at workImpairment of social activitiesSide effects of medications used to treat the disorderCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if:You have symptoms of narcolepsyNarcolepsy does not respond to treatment, or you develop other symptomsPreventionThere is no known way to prevent narcolepsy. Treatment may reduce the number of attacks. Avoid situations that aggravate the condition if you are prone to attacks of narcolepsy.ReferencesDauvilliers Y, Arnulf I, Mignot E. Narcolepsy with cataplexy. Lancet. 2007;369(9560):499-511.Morgenthaler TI, Kapur VK, Brown T, Swick TJ, Alessi C, Aurora RN, et al. Practice parameters for the treatment of narcolepsy and other hypersomnias of central origin. Sleep. 2007;30(12):1705-1711.
