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.

When used legitimately to treat narcolepsy, Xyrem is classified as a Schedule 3 controlled substance. But when misused, either by people who have legitimately obtained it or those who have obtained it illegally, it is considered a Schedule 1 controlled substance, with severe penalties if caught including imprisonment or a very large fine.

Xyrem is available only from a certified doctor and pharmacy under a special program called the Xywav and Xyrem REMS Program.

Although Xyrem contains GHB, there are differences in purity between GHB which is sold on the street, and GHB that is manufactured as Xyrem.

Why dose Xyrem have a high potential for abuse?

Xyrem has a high potential for abuse because it can change brain activity. This means people can become dependant on Xyrem and addicted to it.

Xyrem also carries a risk of serious side effects such as slowing down your breathing. This potentially fatal side effect may occur even at regular dosages or Xyrem but is more likely to happen if you take it with interacting medicines or with alcohol. Other serious side effects such as seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death have occurred in people who misuse Xyrem.

Because of the potential for abuse and the risk of serious side effects that may occur, Xyrem is available only from a certified pharmacy under a special program called the Xyrem REMS Program. Your doctor must be registered in the program to prescribe this medicine for you.

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Is Xyrem a narcotic?

Xyrem is not a narcotic. Narcotics bind to opioid receptors in your brain and include substances such as codeine, oxycodone, and morphine. Xyrem contains sodium oxybate, a central nervous system depressant.