In addition to their desired effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Never take 2 doses together to make up for a forgotten dose. Instead skip the dose completely and do not take any more until the following evening. If you miss the second dose, do not take it when you remember (or wake up). If you forget to take the first dose, take it as soon as you remember and then take the second dose 3 to 4 hours later. What should I do if I forget to take the medicine? Try to take your medicine at least 2 to 3 hours after your evening meal. Take your second dose while still in bed and lie down again straight away.Īs food interferes with how much of this medicine is absorbed by your body, you should take sodium oxybate well after eating any food. Please refer to this for further information.

The manufacturer’s leaflet supplied with the medicine explains how this should be done. Use the special child-resistant dosing cups that come with the medicine. You need to draw up the medicine using a syringe, and mix it with water. Although it seems a bit odd to wake up and take another dose it is important to follow these instructions. You should prepare both doses before you go to bed, and you may need to set an alarm to make sure you wake up to take the second dose. The first dose is taken as you go to bed and the second dose is taken 3 to 4 hours later. It is sometimes used in combination with other medicines for narcolepsy.

It helps with excessive daytime sleepiness as well as helping to control cataplexy. Sodium oxybate helps deep sleep and improves night-time sleep. Sodium oxybate can help treat cataplexy but can also help with many of the other symptoms of narcolepsy. Muscle weakness can vary in severity, and cataplexy attacks can differ in both type and how long they last for. This can be triggered by strong emotions such as: You can also have sleep attacks where you fall asleep at inappropriate times during the day without any warning.Ĭataplexy is a condition associated with narcolepsy that results in sudden muscle weakness. Narcolepsy is a long-term condition which causes excessive sleepiness during the day and may disrupt your sleep at night.

Xyrem cataplexy