Are you a healthcare professional? Join GoodRx for HCPs

Compare Xywav vs. Xyrem

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

Key takeaways

Xywav (calcium oxybate / magnesium oxybate / potassium oxybate / sodium oxybate) and sodium oxybate (Xyrem, Lumryz) are both used to treat cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in people with narcolepsy. Xywav also treats idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) in adults, which sodium oxybate does not. Xywav contains 92% less sodium than sodium oxybate, making it a better option for those needing a low-sodium diet. Sodium oxybate is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, while Xywav is only available as an immediate-release liquid. Both medications are controlled substances with risks of misuse and dependence, and they require enrollment in a REMS program for safe use. Common side effects for both include nausea, dizziness, and bedwetting, especially in children.

Xywav
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem)
Xywav
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem)
Summary of Xywav vs. Xyrem
Summary for CNS depressant
Prescription only
Xywav is a prescription medication that contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates. It treats cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness from strong emotions) and excessive daytime sleepiness in people ages 7 years and older with narcolepsy. It can also treat idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) in adults. Xywav works in the brain as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant to help with these sleep conditions. The medication is an oral solution that's taken by mouth, usually twice each night. Some adults with IH can take it once at night instead. Side effects can include headache, nausea, and dizziness.
Summary for CNS depressant
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 of Xywav vs. Xyrem
Indications for

•Cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness from strong emotions) or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in people with narcolepsy

•Idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) in adults

Indications for

•Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or cataplexy in people with narcolepsy
Pros and Cons of Xywav vs. Xyrem
Pros and Const for CNS depressant
Pros

•Works well to lessen cataplexy attacks and daytime sleepiness in people with narcolepsy

•Approved for children as young as 7 years old with narcolepsy

•Helps lessen daytime sleepiness in adults with idiopathic hypersomnia

•Lower sodium content (has 92% less sodium than Xyrem)

Cons

•Is a controlled substance, so there are special requirements to get the prescription filled

•Need to prepare your doses before taking and also take at least 2 hours after food

•Can cause most people to fall asleep within 5 to 15 minutes, so need to be ready for bed when you take it

•Need to wake up in the middle of the night to take a second dose if you take it twice each night

Pros and Const for CNS depressant
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 of Xywav vs. Xyrem
Common Side Effects for
Adults with IH:

•Nausea (21%)

•Headache (16%)

•Anxiety (12%)

•Dizziness (12%)

•Trouble sleeping (9%)

•Sweating (8%)

•Low appetite (8%)

Adults with narcolepsy:

•Headache (20%)

•Nausea (13%)

•Dizziness (10%)

•Low appetite (8%)

Children with narcolepsy:

•Nausea (20%)

•Bed-wetting (19%)

•Vomiting (18%)

•Headache (17%)

•Weight loss (13%)

•Low appetite (9%)

•Dizziness (8%)

Common Side Effects for
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 of Xywav vs. Xyrem
Common Side Effects for

•Extreme sleepiness and dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)

•Potential for misuse

•Only available through the Xywav REMS program

•Changes in behavior or thoughts, including depression and suicidal thoughts

•Unusual sleep behavior

Common Side Effects for

•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 Xywav vs. Xyrem
Learn more about Xywav
Learn more about Sodium oxybate

Browse medications

View All

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

Compare Xywav vs. Xyrem

Key takeaways

Summary of Xywav vs. Xyrem

Indications of Xywav vs. Xyrem

Pros and Cons of Xywav vs. Xyrem

Common Side Effects of Xywav vs. Xyrem

Warnings of Xywav vs. Xyrem

Prices with our coupons for Xywav vs. Xyrem

Compare other Narcolepsy drugs

Browse medications

Good news for your inbox