Wakix vs. Xyrem for Narcolepsy in Children: 7 Differences to Consider
Wakix and Xyrem are both used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). We compare Wakix and Xyrem as a treatment for pediatric narcolepsy.
sodium oxybate
Used for Narcolepsy
Used for Narcolepsy
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.
What is Sodium oxybate (Xyrem)?
What is Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) used for?
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or cataplexy in people with narcolepsy
How Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) works
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It's not entirely clear how the medication works. But researchers think that it affects proteins in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. This might help with wakefulness for people with narcolepsy.
When does Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Xyrem |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | CNS depressant |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Schedule III |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) essentials
Risks and warnings for Sodium oxybate (Xyrem)
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Potential for misuse
- Risk factors: Personal or family history of substance or alcohol use disorder | History of mental health problems | Taking more of sodium oxybate (Xyrem) than prescribed
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse. Misuse can lead to serious, life-threatening problems. This can include seizure, extremely slowed breathing, and overdose. Misusing this medication can sometimes also lead to addiction. If you're worried about these risks, talk to your prescriber.
Changes in mental alertness
- Risk factors: Drinking alcohol | Taking other CNS depressants
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) can slow down your brain. This can make you feel very sleepy and have trouble thinking, focusing, and reacting to things.
Don't drive or do anything that needs your full attention until at least 6 hours after you take sodium oxybate (Xyrem). In general, it's also good idea to avoid these things until you know how this medication affects you.
You can have changes in mental alertness at any time while taking sodium oxybate (Xyrem), even at recommended doses. Don't drink alcohol while taking this medication because it can raise your risk. Also don't take other CNS depressants, like opioids or other sedatives. Talk to your prescriber if you're worried about these risks.
Dangerously slowed breathing
- Risk factors: History of breathing problems (e.g., sleep apnea) | Drinking alcohol | Taking other CNS depressants
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) can slow your breathing down to the point where it's very dangerous. This can look like shortness of breath and slow and shallow breathing. It can lead to bluish-colored lips, fingers, or toes. If slowed breathing isn't recognized and treated right away, it can be life-threatening. If you or a close one notices that your breathing is extremely slow, get medical help right away.
Your breathing can slow down at any time while you're taking sodium oxybate (Xyrem). It can even become slow at recommended doses. But your risk is higher if you drink alcohol with sodium oxybate (Xyrem). It's also higher if you take other CNS depressants, like opioids and muscle relaxants. If you're worried about the risk of slowed breathing, speak to your prescriber.
Only available through the Xyrem REMS program
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) has a risk of misuse. It can also slow the body down and make your breathing extremely slow. Because of these risks, the FDA requires that sodium oxybate (Xyrem) can only be available through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) program. This safety program is called the Xyrem REMS program.
Your prescriber will help you sign up for the Xyrem REMS program. Your prescriber and the pharmacy you get sodium oxybate (Xyrem) from must also enroll. This helps make sure you and everyone involved in your care understands the dangers of the medication.
Behavior changes, including depression and suicidal thoughts
- Risk factors: History of mental health problems
Some people who took sodium oxybate (Xyrem) had changes in behavior. This included confusion and anxiety. Some also felt paranoid, acted more aggressive, or saw or heard things that aren't there (hallucinations). Although rare, others reported having signs of depression or thoughts of hurting themselves.
Let your prescriber know if you have a history of mental health problems. They might want to follow up with you more often. They can make sure your mental health is okay while you're taking sodium oxybate (Xyrem).
Tell your prescriber if you start to behave in ways that aren't normal for you or have signs of depression while taking this medication. If you start thinking about wanting to hurt yourself, call 911 right away.
Unusual sleep behaviors (e.g., sleepwalking)
Some people who took sodium oxybate (Xyrem) have sleepwalked or had other similar unusual sleep behaviors. This can look like having confused behavior or wandering throughout the night. These sleep behaviors can raise the risk of hurting yourself by accident.
Make sure your family and loved ones know about this side effect so they can watch out for your safety. Tell your prescriber if you've sleepwalked or wandered around at night while taking sodium oxybate (Xyrem). Also let them know about any other strange things you've done while you're sleeping during treatment.
Contains a high amount of sodium
- Risk factors: Heart failure | High blood pressure | Kidney problems
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) contains a high amount of sodium (salt). It can be dangerous to take for people who are sensitive to salt. This includes people with heart failure, high blood pressure, or kidney problems.
Before starting sodium oxybate (Xyrem), tell your prescriber about your full medical history. They can make sure it's safe for you to take, given the high salt content in the medication.
Side effects of Sodium oxybate (Xyrem)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
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%)
Less Common Side Effects
Adults:
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Muscle spasms
- Feeling "pins and needles"
- Confusion about what's around you or time
- Anxiety
- Sleepwalking
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Very slow breathing
- Feeling overly sleepy
- Fainting
When do Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Sleepiness
Trouble thinking or focusing
Risk of very slowed breathing
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.
The following Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Bedwetting
sleep walking
Less common
Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
changes in behavior
choking or gasping sounds
daytime sleepiness or tiredness
headache
lack of appetite
loud or frequent snoring
rapid weight gain
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
thoughts of killing oneself
trouble sleeping
unusual weight gain or loss
waking to urinate at night
Incidence not known
Being forgetful
blurred vision
decrease in the amount of urine
dizziness
hoarseness
increase urge to urinate at night
irritation
joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
nervousness
noisy, rattling breathing
pounding in the ears
redness of the skin
swelling of the face, fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs
tightness in the chest
trouble breathing or swallowing
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Agitation
bluish lips or skin, not breathing
chest pain or discomfort
clumsiness
confusional, agitated combative state
drowsiness
generalized slowing of mental and physical activity
inability to hold bowel movement or urine
increased sweating
lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
loss of consciousness
muscle aches or weakness
seizures
shakiness and unsteady walk
shivering
slow or irregular heartbeat
trembling or other problems with muscle control or coordination
unusual tiredness or weakness
weak or feeble pulse
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
difficulty passing urine (dribbling)
increased frequency, urgency, or burning on urination
increased sweating
vomiting
Less common
Incidence not known
Difficulty with moving
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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$21239.97
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Pros and cons of Sodium oxybate (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
Pharmacist tips for Sodium oxybate (Xyrem)
- Take sodium oxybate (Xyrem) twice each night, both times at your bedside. Take the first dose at bedtime and then the second dose 2.5 to 4 hours later. It might be helpful to set an alarm to make sure you wake up for your second dose.
- For each sodium oxybate (Xyrem) dose, you'll need to mix it with water before you take it. Don't take the medication without preparing it.
- Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) can make you feel drowsy. It can also make it hard to think, pay attention, and react quickly. These problems can last for many hours after you take the medication. Don't drive or use machines until at least 6 hours have passed and you know how the medication affects you.
- Don't drink alcohol with sodium oxybate (Xyrem). It can raise your risk of serious side effects. This can include dangerously slowed breathing, loss of consciousness, coma, or even death. Talk to your prescriber if it's hard for you to stop drinking.
- When you're done using a sodium oxybate (Xyrem) bottle, pour any unused medication down the sink. You can throw away the empty bottle in the trash. Make sure to cross out your name or other personal information first.
How to prepare your sodium oxybate (Xyrem) dose:
- Keep unmixed sodium oxybate (Xyrem) in the bottle it came in until you're ready to take the medication. Keep the bottle out of reach of children and pets.
- Prepare your two sodium oxybate (Xyrem) doses of the night before bedtime. Follow the instructions on how to prepare the medication. If you have any questions, ask your prescriber or pharmacist.
- To prepare: Keep the bottle upright and use the syringe that comes with the medication to draw up your first dose of the night. Empty all the medication from the syringe into one of the provided containers. Add about 60 mL (1/4 cup) of water to the container and then mix well. Then, close the container. Repeat the same steps for the second dose of the night.
- Take the prepared, mixed sodium oxybate (Xyrem) doses within 24 hours. If it's been more than 24 hours after you've mixed it, empty the container(s) in the sink.
- Keep any prepared sodium oxybate (Xyrem) doses in a safe place, away from children and pets, until taken or given.
How to take sodium oxybate (Xyrem):
- Take your first dose of the night at bedtime, at least 2 hours after eating. This helps your body absorb the medication as best as it can. Then, take your second dose of the night 2.5 to 4 hours later. Drink each dose while sitting in bed.
- Right after you take sodium oxybate (Xyrem), lie down in bed and stay in bed. The medication can make you fall asleep within 5 to 15 minutes. So taking it at bedside and getting into bed right after can help prevent you from falling and getting hurt.
- If you forget to take your second dose of sodium oxybate (Xyrem) of the night, skip the missed dose. Wait until the next night to take your usual dose (once at bedtime and again 2.5 to 4 hours later).
- Don't take your two nightly doses of sodium oxybate (Xyrem) at once. This can cause serious side effects.
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) dosage
The average cost for 3 bottles of 180ml of 500mg/ml of Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) is $6,075.79 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 71.39% off the average retail price of $21,239.97. 
Bottle of oral solution
Bottle of oral solution| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180ml of 500mg/ml | 3 bottles | $6,075.79 | $2,025.26 |
Typical dosage for Sodium oxybate (Xyrem)
-
Adults: The typical starting dose is 2.25 grams by mouth at bedtime, then 2.25 grams taken 2.5 to 4 hours later. Your prescriber will raise your dose every week to the recommended dose. The recommended dose is 6 to 9 grams by mouth per night, split evenly into two doses.
-
Children 7 years and older: Dosing will depend on your child's weight. The dose is taken at night, once at bedtime and again 2.5 to 4 hours later. Your child's prescriber will raise the dose about every week to the recommended dose.
Your dose might differ if you have liver problems. It also might differ if you take divalproex (Depakote).
Interactions between Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) and other drugs
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Sodium oxybate (Xyrem). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Carbinoxamine
- Chloral Hydrate
- Diphenhydramine
- Doxylamine
- Eszopiclone
- Ethchlorvynol
- Hydroxyzine
- Promethazine
- Ramelteon
- Zaleplon
- Zolpidem
- Zopiclone
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acepromazine
- Alfentanil
- Alprazolam
- Amobarbital
- Anileridine
- Aprobarbital
- Aripiprazole
- Asenapine
- Baclofen
- Benperidol
- Benzhydrocodone
- Bromazepam
- Buprenorphine
- Buspirone
- Butabarbital
- Butalbital
- Butorphanol
- Cannabidiol
- Carisoprodol
- Carphenazine
- Cetirizine
- Chlordiazepoxide
- Chlorpromazine
- Chlorzoxazone
- Clobazam
- Clonazepam
- Clorazepate
- Clozapine
- Codeine
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Dantrolene
- Dexmedetomidine
- Diacetylmorphine
- Diazepam
- Dichloralphenazone
- Difenoxin
- Dihydrocodeine
- Diphenoxylate
- Droperidol
- Enflurane
- Esketamine
- Estazolam
- Ethopropazine
- Ethylmorphine
- Fentanyl
- Flibanserin
- Flunitrazepam
- Fluphenazine
- Flurazepam
- Fluspirilene
- Fospropofol
- Gabapentin
- Gabapentin Enacarbil
- Halazepam
- Haloperidol
- Halothane
- Hexobarbital
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Isoflurane
- Ketamine
- Ketazolam
- Ketobemidone
- Lemborexant
- Levocetirizine
- Levorphanol
- Lofexidine
- Lorazepam
- Lormetazepam
- Loxapine
- Meclizine
- Medazepam
- Melperone
- Meperidine
- Mephenesin
- Mephobarbital
- Meprobamate
- Meptazinol
- Mesoridazine
- Metaxalone
- Methadone
- Methdilazine
- Methocarbamol
- Methohexital
- Methotrimeprazine
- Methylene Blue
- Metoclopramide
- Midazolam
- Molindone
- Moricizine
- Morphine
- Morphine Sulfate Liposome
- Nalbuphine
- Nicomorphine
- Nitrazepam
- Nitrous Oxide
- Olanzapine
- Opium
- Opium Alkaloids
- Orphenadrine
- Oxazepam
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Papaveretum
- Paregoric
- Pentazocine
- Pentobarbital
- Perampanel
- Perazine
- Periciazine
- Perphenazine
- Phenobarbital
- Pimozide
- Piperacetazine
- Pipotiazine
- Piritramide
- Prazepam
- Pregabalin
- Primidone
- Prochlorperazine
- Promazine
- Propofol
- Quazepam
- Quetiapine
- Remifentanil
- Remimazolam
- Remoxipride
- Scopolamine
- Secobarbital
- Sertindole
- Sufentanil
- Sulpiride
- Suvorexant
- Tapentadol
- Temazepam
- Thiethylperazine
- Thiopental
- Thiopropazate
- Thioridazine
- Tilidine
- Tizanidine
- Tolonium Chloride
- Topiramate
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- Triazolam
- Trifluoperazine
- Trifluperidol
- Triflupromazine
- Trimeprazine
- Valproic Acid
- Zotepine
How much does Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) cost?
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Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) (generic)
$6,075.79
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) will not be safe for you to take.
- Take other sedative medications
- Drink alcohol
- A genetic condition called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency
What are alternatives to Sodium oxybate (Xyrem)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Sodium oxybate (Xyrem). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Sodium oxybate (Xyrem)
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