Properties

Safety Information

Description

Xyrem is distributed by Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Palo Alto, CA). It is an oral solution of sodium oxybate prescribed for narcoleptic patients to treat extreme daytime sleepiness and cataplexy. Xyrem is also known as sodium oxybate which is the same as gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a drug of abuse. GHB is endogenously produced and present in the central nervous system (CNS) in small concentrations. Accidental overdosing has led to many hospitalizations and deaths. Because of the tendency to abuse GHB, it was classified as a schedule I controlled substance. This meant that GHB had a high potential for abuse and no medical purpose. However, in 2002, because of a series of clinical trials that demonstrated that the compound reduces cataplexy attacks, it was approved for use under the trademark Xyrem. Since GHB had previously been used as a ‘date-rape’ drug, Xyrem is considered a schedule III controlled substance and is distributed in accordance with strict FDA regulations. Xyrem may only be ordered through the ‘Xyrem Success Program.’ Illegal use is punishable under federal and state laws.