A notice [removed]issued by the FDA[/removed] brought attention to a new contraindication for Xyrem (sodium oxybate), a drug used to treat narcolepsy. Using the medication in conjunction with either alcohol or central nervous system (CNS) depressant drugs can “markedly impair consciousness and may lead to severe breathing problems (respiratory depression),” according to the agency.
“Patients taking Xyrem should not drink alcohol or take insomnia drugs,” the FDA cautioned, reminding provides to “follow the dosing recommendations, contraindications, and boxed warning in the updated Xyrem drug label and to avoid drug combinations that raise the risk of respiratory depression and death.”
