What is the difference between Lumryz vs Xyrem?
Both Xyrem and Lumryz are medications used to treat narcolepsy, but they have some key differences.
Although Xyrem and Lumryz contain the same active ingredient, sodium oxybate (also known as gamma-hydroxybutyrate or GHB), there are differences in how they are taken.
- Xyrem is an immediate-release liquid taken in two separate doses - one at bedtime and another 2.5 to 4 hours later.
- Lumryz is available as extended-release granules that are mixed with water just before taking as a single dose at bedtime. This means that Lumryz may be more convenient for patients as it doesn't require waking up in the middle of the night for a second dose.
Xyrem gained FDA approval in 2002 and Lumryz gained FDA approval in 2023.
Lumryz vs Xyrem uses
Both Lumryz and Xyrem are approved for treating cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy patients.
- Both Xyrem and Lumryz are approved for patients aged 7 years and older.
Schedule classification Lumryz vs Xyrem
Both Lumryz and Xyrem are classified as Schedule 3 controlled substances when used legitimately and Schedule 1 controlled substances when misused.
- When misused either by patients or by those obtaining it illegally, Xyrem and Lumryz are treated as Schedule 1 substances which carry severe legal penalties such as imprisonment and heavy fines.
Because of this risk of abuse, both Lumryz and Xyrem have REMS safety programs through which they are prescribed and dispensed.
- Learn more about the Lumryz REMS program.
- Learn more about Xyrem REMS which is called the Xywav and Xyrem REMS program.
Is there any difference in sodium content between Lumryz vs Xyrem?
The sodium content of Lumryz and Xyrem on a gram to gram basis is the same (see tables below). Both Lumryz and Xyrem are considered to be high in sodium, which should be considered in patients with sodium-sensitive conditions such as heart failure, high blood pressure, or poor kidney function.
| Lumryz dose | Sodium content (nightly exposure) |
|---|---|
| 4.5 g per night | 820 mg |
| 6 g per night | 1100 mg |
| 7.5 g per night | 1400 mg |
| 9 g per night | 1640 mg |
| Xyrem dose | Sodium content (nightly exposure) |
|---|---|
| 3 g per night | 550 mg |
| 4.5 g per night | 820 mg |
| 6 g per night | 1100 mg |
| 7.5 g per night | 1400 mg |
| 9 g per night | 1640 mg |
Related questions
- Xywav vs Xyrem: What's the difference between them?
- Will Xyrem show up on a drug test?
- How does Xyrem work for narcolepsy?
Differences in absorption Lumryz vs Xyrem
Lumryz is supplied as extended-release granules which are designed to release the medication more slowly over time, potentially providing more consistent blood levels throughout the night.
- Xyrem is an immediate release formulation that releases sodium oxybate quickly, which is why it needs to be taken 2 times at night.
- The main advantage of Lumryz vs Xyrem is that Lumryz offers once-nightly dosing, which can improve sleep quality and patient compliance by eliminating the need to wake up for a second dose.
References
- Lumryz Prescribing Information. Revised 10/2024. Distributed By: Avadel CNS Pharmaceuticals, LLC https://www.lumryz.com/_assets/pdfs/REF-00893_Lumryz_Prescribing_Information_Oct_2024.pdf
- Lumryz Package Insert. https://www.lumryz.com/_assets/pdfs/REF-00719_Lumryz_Medication_Guide_Oct_2024.pdf
- Xyrem Prescribing Information. http://pp.jazzpharma.com/pi/xyrem.en.USPI.pdf
- Xyrem Package Insert. http://pp.jazzpharma.com/pi/xyrem.en.MG.pdf
Read next
Is Xyrem a controlled substance / narcotic drug of abuse?
Yes, Xyrem is a controlled substance, and has a high potential to be abused. Xyrem contains sodium oxybate, also known as GHB, which is a known street drug of abuse. Xyrem is not a narcotic, the active ingredient sodium oxybate, is a central nervous system depressant. Continue reading
Does Xyrem cause weight gain or loss?
Xyrem (sodium oxybate), which is used to treat cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy, can cause weight loss. Weight loss is reported to be an adverse reaction associated with Xyrem treatment, but it is also seen as a beneficial effect of the drug because narcolepsy is linked to weight gain and obesity. Continue reading
What is Xyrem REMS?
Xyrem REMS refers to the program through which Xyrem can be prescribed by a doctor and through which Xyrem can be dispensed to a patient. Continue reading
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Drug information
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