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Lumryz vs. Xyrem

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Lumryz

(sodium oxybate)

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Sodium oxybate

(Xyrem)

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Summary for Lumryz

Prescription only

Lumryz (sodium oxybate) is used to help adults and children 7 years and older with narcolepsy. It treats cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness. This medication works as a central nervous system depressant. Lumryz (sodium oxybate) comes as packets of powder that you need to mix with water before you take your dose. It's an extended-release medication that you only need to take just once each night. Side effects can include nausea, dizziness, headache, and bedwetting. Lumryz (sodium oxybate) is only available by prescription as a brand-name medication.

Indications for Lumryz

Pros and Cons for Lumryz

Pros

  • Taken just once at bedtime each night (no need to wake up in the middle of the night for a second dose)
  • Can okay for children 7 years and older with narcolepsy to take
  • Becomes a liquid once mixed, so you don't need to swallow a pill

Cons

  • Need to mix the medication with water before taking
  • Is a controlled substance, so there are special requirements to getting the medication filled
  • Might not be the best option for people with liver problems

Common Side Effects for Lumryz

  • Bedwetting (up to 9%)
  • Nausea (up to 8%)
  • Headache (up to 7%)
  • Dizziness (up to 6%)
  • Vomiting (up to 6%)

Warnings for Lumryz

  • Potential for misuse
  • Changes in mental alertness
  • Dangerously slowed breathing
  • Only available through the Lumyrz REMS program
  • Behavior changes, including depression and suicidal thoughts
  • Unusual sleep behaviors (e.g., sleepwalking)
  • Contains a high amount of sodium

Summary for Xyrem

Prescription only

Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) is for people 7 years and older with narcolepsy. It's used to treat cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness after strong emotions) and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). This medication works as a central nervous system depressant. It's a liquid solution that you have to mix with water before you take it. The dosage is taken by mouth two times at night, once at bedtime, and then again 2.5 to 4 hours later. Side effects include nausea and dizziness. Some people, but especially children, might wet the bed. Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) is available with a prescription as a brand-name and generic medication.

Indications for Xyrem

Pros and Cons for Xyrem

Pros

  • A first-choice medication for narcolepsy
  • Okay for children 7 years and older with narcolepsy to take
  • Is a liquid mixture, so no need to swallow whole pills
  • Dose can be adjusted if needed

Cons

  • Need to take two doses each night (one at bedtime, and another in the middle of the night)
  • Need to mix the medication with water before taking
  • Is a controlled substance, so there are special requirements to getting the medication filled
  • Can't take with sedatives

Common Side Effects for Xyrem

Adults:

  • Nausea (up to 20%)
  • Dizziness (up to 15%)
  • Vomiting (up to 11%)
  • Sleepiness (up to 8%)
  • Bedwetting (up to 7%)
  • Tremor or shakiness (up to 5%)

Children:

  • Nausea (20%)
  • Bedwetting (19%)
  • Vomiting (18%)
  • Headache (17%)
  • Weight loss (13%)
  • Poor appetite (9%)
  • Dizziness (8%)
  • Sleepwalking (6%)

Warnings for Xyrem

  • Potential for misuse
  • Changes in mental alertness
  • Dangerously slowed breathing
  • Only available through the Xyrem REMS program
  • Behavior changes, including depression and suicidal thoughts
  • Unusual sleep behaviors (e.g., sleepwalking)
  • Contains a high amount of sodium

Prices with our coupons for Lumryz vs. Xyrem

Price Card Drug Icon
Lumryz1 carton / 30 packets of 9g
$188,576.69-
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Sodium Oxybate3 bottles / 180ml of 500mg/ml
$3,651.87$24,993.43
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