Xyrem vs. Lumryz for Narcolepsy: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Sodium oxybate

(Xyrem)

Lumryz

(sodium oxybate)

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

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or cataplexy in people with narcolepsy

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

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

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or cataplexy in people with narcolepsy

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

Prices with our coupons for Xyrem vs. Lumryz

Sodium Oxybate3 bottles / 180ml of 500mg/ml

$6,561.37$22,824.57

Get free coupons

More Information

Lumryz1 carton / 7 packets of 4.5g

$10,482.24$12,102.04

Get free coupons

More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare
Xyrem vs. Lumryz

Sodium oxybate

Lumryz

Summary for Xyrem

Indications for Xyrem

Pros and Cons for Xyrem

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Xyrem

Warnings for Xyrem

Summary for Lumryz

Indications for Lumryz

Pros and Cons for Lumryz

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Lumryz

Warnings for Lumryz

Prices with our coupons for Xyrem vs. Lumryz

Compare other Narcolepsy drugs

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Sodium oxybate

Lumryz

Summary for Xyrem

Indications for Xyrem

Pros and Cons for Xyrem

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Xyrem

Warnings for Xyrem

Summary for Lumryz

Indications for Lumryz

Pros and Cons for Lumryz

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Lumryz

Warnings for Lumryz