If you have a sleep disorder, your doctor may suggest Xywav.

Xywav is a prescription drug that’s used to treat idiopathic hypersomnia in adults.

It’s also prescribed to treat the following symptoms of There is a neurological disorder called narcolepsy. in adults and some children:

  • cataplexy
  • excessive daytime It is too sleepy.

Xywav basics

The drugs in Xywav are active. An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.

  • calcium oxybate is a substance.
  • magnesium oxybate is a substance.
  • The compound is called potassium oxybate.
  • The substance is called sodium oxybate.

Xywav belongs to a group of drugs called central nervous system depressants. This drug comes as a liquid solution that you swallow. It’s not available as a generic drug.

Information about side effects, cost, and more can be found in this article.

Find answers to questions about Xywav.

Is Xywav an alternative to Xyrem?

Though Xywav and Xyrem are very similar, they’re also different in a few ways.

Both Xywav and Xyrem are used to treat cataplexy and excessive daytime It is too sleepy. due to There is a neurological disorder called narcolepsy. in adults and some children. But Xywav may also be used to treat idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) in adults.

Xywav and Xyrem both contain The substance is called sodium oxybate. as an active drug. But Xywav also contains the active drugs calcium oxybate is a substance., magnesium oxybate is a substance., and The compound is called potassium oxybate.. This means Xywav has less sodium (salt) than Xyrem. So it may be a safer option for people who are limiting their salt intake.

If you want to learn more about how Xywav compares to Xyrem, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

How does Xywav work?

The mechanism of action is what a drug works on.

There is no known mechanism of action for treating narcoleptic symptoms. It is thought that it improves sleep by affecting the chemicals in the brain.

Is Xywav a controlled substance?

Yes, Xywav is a controlled substance. This means that certain laws in the United States control how Xywav is prescribed to help prevent possible misuse (sometimes called abuse). Misuse occurs when a person uses a drug in a way other than how it’s prescribed. Misusing Xywav can lead to serious side effects, including breathing problems or A coma..

Xywav is considered a Schedule III controlled substance. A Schedule III substance has an approved medical use, but it also has risks of misuse, dependence, and tolerance. With dependence, the body needs a drug to function as it usually would. Tolerance means the body gets used to a drug and needs a higher dose for the same effect.

The REMS program restricts the distribution of Xywav. The drug is only available from certain prescribers and a certified pharmacy. REMS are required by the FDA for certain medications to help manage serious risks.

To learn more, see the “Can Xywav be misused?” section below.

Mild or serious side effects may occur with Xywav. The side effects that Xywav may cause are described in the lists below. All possible side effects are not included in these lists.

Side effects of a drug can depend on other factors.

  • Your age.
  • You have other health conditions.
  • You take other drugs.

The doctor or the pharmacy can tell you more about the side effects of Xywav. They can suggest ways to reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Xywav can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Xywav’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Xywav have been reported.

The side effect focus section gives more information about this side effect.

The side effects of many drugs can be gone in a few days. If they become intolerable, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

There are serious side effects from Xywav, but they are not common. If you have serious side effects from Xywav, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

There have been serious side effects of Xywav.

The side effect focus section gives more information about this side effect.
† For more information about the risk of misuse, see the “Can Xywav be misused?” section below.

Suicide prevention

If you think someone is at risk of self-injury or hurting another person.

  • You can call your local emergency number.
  • Stay with the person until help arrives.
  • Guns, knives, medications, and other things should be removed.
  • “Don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you should get help from a hotline. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800-273-8255.

Side effect focus

There are some side effects that Xywav may cause.

Boxed warnings

Xywav has boxed warnings for a risk of central nervous system (CNS) Depression. and a risk of misuse. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Risk of CNS Depression.. Xywav works by depressing (slowing down) activity in your CNS. This is known as CNS Depression., and it can happen with Xywav even when it’s taken as directed. CNS Depression. can impair your judgment, thinking, and motor skills.

Due to the risk of CNS Depression., you should not take Xywav with alcohol. You also should not take it with drugs called sedative hypnotics. These are medications prescribed for certain sleep disorders.

Taking other depressants with Xywav may cause serious side effects.

In rare instances, taking Xywav may be fatal.

To see a list of sedative hypnotics and CNS depressants, see the “What should be considered before taking Xywav?” section below.

Risk of misuse. Xywav has a risk of misuse. (Misuse is where a drug is used in a way other than how it’s prescribed). Misusing Xywav can lead to serious side effects, including breathing problems or A coma.. In rare cases, it can be fatal.

To learn more, see the “Can Xywav be misused?” section below.

What can help?

You should avoid dangerous activities after taking a Xywav dose, as they can cause you to be fully awake for at least 6 hours. Driving a car or operating machinery are examples.

Due to the risk of CNS Depression. and misuse, distribution of Xywav is restricted through a program called a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS). This means the drug is available only from certain prescribers and a specially certified pharmacy. The FDA requires certain medications to have a REMS to help manage serious risks associated with those medications.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the warnings.

Weight loss

Treatment with Xywav may cause weight loss. But in studies of the drug, this side effect wasn’t common among adults. It occurred more often in children who took the drug.

One of the more common side effects is a decrease in appetite. Decreased appetite can lead to weight loss.

What can help?

If you have a problem with your weight loss, talk to your doctor. They can suggest ways to lose or maintain a healthy weight.

Abnormal dreams or unusual behaviors during sleep

As a result of taking Xywav, you may experience abnormal dreams or unusual behaviors during sleep. These side effects were somewhat common in studies of the drug.

These studies reported unusual behaviors during sleep.

Some people have been injured as a result of sleep behaviors.

What can help?

If you have abnormal dreams while taking Xywav, tell your doctor. They can suggest ways to treat the side effect.

Your doctor may suggest stopping treatment. If this is the case, they can recommend alternatives.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Xywav. While it doesn’t appear allergic reactions were reported in studies of Xywav, they have happened since it became available on the market.

A mild allergic reaction can include some symptoms.

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause breathing problems.

If you have an allergic reaction to Xywav, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. To find current prices for Xywav in your area, visit WellRx.com.

You may wonder how much Xywav costs compared to other alternatives. Xywav may be more expensive than Xyrem. Talk to your doctor or insurance company about the price of your medication.

For information about how Xyrem and Xywav are alike and different, see the “What are some frequently asked questions about Xywav?” section above.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Xywav manufacturer’s website to see if it has support options.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Xywav is used to treat idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) in adults. For some people with hypersomnia, it’s possible to identify its cause, such as another medication or condition. Idiopathic means there’s no clear cause for the hypersomnia.

People with IH experience excessive daytime It is too sleepy. (EDS), which is an overwhelming, sudden urge to sleep. This happens even after a good night’s sleep. With EDS, you may frequently feel tired and have trouble concentrating or completing tasks. This, in turn, can affect how you function at work or school.

The mechanism of action for treating IH is not known. Mechanism of action is how a drug works. The drug is thought to improve sleep by affecting certain chemicals in the brain.

Xywav is used to treat the following symptoms of There is a neurological disorder called narcolepsy. in adults and children ages 7 years and older:

  • cataplexy, which is an unexpected, temporary loss of muscle control
  • excessive daytime It is too sleepy. (EDS), which is an overwhelming, sudden urge to sleep that makes it hard to function during the day

Decreased sleep is caused by the nervous system being affected by There is a neurological disorder called narcolepsy.. The main symptoms of There is a neurological disorder called narcolepsy. are sleep attacks and the symptoms of EDS.

Cataplexy is a symptom of some people with the disease. A temporary loss of muscle control is called chiaplexy.

How Xywav works to treat narcolet symptoms is not known. The drug is thought to improve sleep by affecting certain chemicals in the brain.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Xywav that’s right for you. Below are commonly prescribed dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Form

Xywav is a liquid solution that you swallow.

Recommended dosages

You can take one dose of Xywav before you go to bed. Or your doctor may suggest that you follow this schedule.

  1. Take one dose before you go to sleep.
  2. Take a second dose after 4 hours.

Questions about Xywav’s dosage

There are a lot of questions about Xywav.

  • What if I miss a dose of Xywav? If you miss a Xywav dose, simply skip the missed dose. Never take more than one dose of Xywav to make up for a missed dose.
  • Will I need to take Xywav long term? If you and your doctor agree Xywav is safe and working for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
  • How long does Xywav take to work? Xywav works very quickly. Most people fall asleep within 5 to 15 minutes of taking a dose.

It is important to discuss your health with your doctor before you start treatment. Any medical conditions and any medications you take are included. This information helps them decide if Xywav is a good option for you.

Interactions

Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking Xywav, you should tell your doctor about all your medication. You should describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions that may occur.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Xywav can interact with a lot of drugs. These drugs are used.

The list does not include all the drugs that may interact with Xywav. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions.

Note: Because of possible interactions, your doctor will likely recommend that you do not take Xywav with certain drugs listed above.

Boxed warnings

Xywav has boxed warnings. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

There are warnings for Xywav.

  • Risk of central nervous system Depression.. Xywav works by depressing (slowing down) activity in your central nervous system (CNS). This is known as CNS Depression., and it can happen with Xywav even when it’s taken as directed. CNS Depression. can impair your judgment, thinking, and motor skills. For more information, see the “What are Xywav’s side effects?” section above.
  • Risk of misuse. Xywav has a risk of misuse. Misusing Xywav can lead to serious side effects, including breathing problems or A coma.. In rare cases, it can even be fatal. To learn more, see the “Can Xywav be misused?” section below.

Other warnings

If you have a medical condition that affects your health, Xywav may not be right for you. Talk to your doctor about your health history. The factors to consider are listed below.

  • Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency. If you have succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency, a rare brain disorder, your doctor will not prescribe Xywav to you. This condition can result in the level of Xywav building up in your body, which may cause serious side effects. Your doctor can suggest safer treatment options for your condition instead of Xywav.
  • Breathing or lung problems. Xywav can lower your breathing rate and cause other breathing issues, including respiratory Depression.. If you have existing breathing or lung problems, you may have a higher risk of this side effect with Xywav. Let your doctor know if you have such problems. This can help them determine whether Xywav is a safe treatment option for you.
  • Sleep apnea. Xywav can cause sleep apnea. For people who already have this condition, taking Xywav could worsen it. If you have sleep apnea, let your doctor know so they can determine whether Xywav is safe for you to take.
  • Depression. Xywav can cause Depression. or depressed mood and can worsen this condition in people who already have it. If you have Depression., tell your doctor. This can help them determine whether Xywav is a safe treatment option for you.
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions. In rare cases, Xywav has caused suicidal thoughts or actions. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you have or have had suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Taking Xywav could worsen these feelings. Your doctor will discuss with you whether Xywav is safe for you to take.
  • Liver problems. If you have liver problems, your body may have issues breaking down Xywav after you take a dose. This can result in the level of Xywav building up in your body, which may cause serious side effects. Tell your doctor about any liver problems you have. This can help them determine whether Xywav is a safe treatment option for you.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Xywav or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Xywav. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Xywav and alcohol

You should not drink alcohol during treatment.

Xywav works by depressing (slowing down) activity in your central nervous system (CNS). This is known as CNS Depression.,* and it can impair your judgment, thinking, and motor skills. Like Xywav, alcohol is a CNS depressant. So drinking alcohol while taking Xywav can increase the risk of serious side effects from CNS Depression..

Talk to your doctor about alcohol and Xywav.

* Xywav has a boxed warning for the risk of CNS Depression.. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the FDA. For more information, see the “What are Xywav’s side effects?” section above.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It is not known if it is safe to take Xywav while pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should tell your doctor. They can discuss your treatment options with you.

“Your doctor will explain how to take Xywav. They will explain how much to take and how often. Follow your doctor’s instructions.”

Taking Xywav

Xywav is a liquid solution that you swallow.

Xywav works very quickly for most people. Within 15 minutes after taking a dose, you will likely fall asleep. Your doctor may suggest that you take Xywav while in bed. They may suggest that you get into bed after taking a dose.

Should I take Xywav with food?

You should not take Xywav with food. You should take a dose of Xywav after 2 hours.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about your treatment. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help you.

  • Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
    • How will Xywav affect my body?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment to make you feel more comfortable.
  • “If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it.”

“Your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. They want you to get the best care possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or give feedback on your treatment”

Xywav has a boxed warning about the risk of misuse. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Misuse (sometimes called abuse) occurs when a person uses a drug in a way other than how it’s prescribed. Misusing Xywav can lead to serious side effects, including breathing problems or A coma.. It can even be fatal in rare cases.

Before you begin taking Xywav, it’s important to tell your doctor if you have a history of a substance use disorder. This can help them determine whether Xywav is a good treatment option for your condition.

About the Xywav REMS program

Due to the risk of misuse and central nervous system (CNS) Depression.,* distribution of Xywav is restricted through a program called a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS).

REMS are required by the FDA for certain medications to help manage serious risks. The REMS program makes sure that Xywav is prescribed only when it is in fact beneficial.

Only specially certified healthcare professionals can prescribe Xywav. Only a pharmacy that is certified by the FDA can give the drug. You will not be able to pick it up from the pharmacy.

You must enroll in the Xywav REMS program to be prescribed Xywav. You need to complete documentation that shows you are taking the drug safely.

To learn more about the Xywav REMS program, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also check out the Xywav REMS website, or call 866-997-3688.

* For more information about the risk of CNS Depression. with Xywav, see the “What are Xywav’s side effects?” section above.

Do not take more than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than this can cause serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

In studies of Xywav, overdose wasn’t reported.

But one of Xywav’s active drugs is The substance is called sodium oxybate., which is a form of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). So Xywav’s overdose symptoms may be similar to those reported with GHB, which is an illegal drug.

Symptoms of GHB overdose include:

What to do in case you take too much Xywav

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Xywav. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

It is important to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about Xywav. Ask questions that will help you understand the risks and benefits of Xywav. Some examples can help you get started.

  • What should I know about other treatments for There is a neurological disorder called narcolepsy. besides Xywav?
  • Does my medical history show me a higher risk of side effects if I take Xywav?
  • Will Xywav show up for a drug test?
  • How will I know if it is safe to drive while taking Xywav?

You may be interested in learning more about treatment options.

Q:

Will I have withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking Xywav?

Anonymous

A:

It is possible that you will have withdrawal symptoms from Xywav treatment. If you stop taking the drug suddenly or your dose is reduced too quickly, this is a good sign.

In studies, some people who suddenly stopped taking Xywav experienced symptoms including:

One of Xywav’s active drugs is The substance is called sodium oxybate.. It’s a form of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), which is an illegal drug. It’s thought that symptoms of withdrawal from Xywav may be similar to those experienced with GHB. Other symptoms that have been reported in people who stopped taking GHB include:

It is important that you talk to your doctor before taking Xywav because of the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Slowly lowering your dose will be instructed to you until it is safe for you to stop taking Xywav.

Talk to your doctor about possible withdrawal symptoms from Xywav treatment.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.