Question 1

does sodium oxybate age you since it's compared to as using heroin?

Accepted Answer

No: and heroin itself doesn't "age" people either.  Sodium oxybate (aka GHB- gamma hydroxybutyrate) is a sedative, but doesn't really have specific organ toxicity. While alcohol and methamphetamine themselves will make people sick and appear older, neither opiates nor sedatives do that. The complications of use - overdose, impurities, infectious complications - are what cause the 'aging."

Question 2

how could the government ban things like gamma hydroxy-butyrate/sodium oxybate if it's naturally in the body?

Accepted Answer

NOT BANNED: The drug is called Xyrem and is used for narcolepsy in presence of cataplexy.

Question 3

if someone was taking xyrem (sodium oxybate) for narcolepsy would any of these reactions be okay? 
1. falling asleep randomly while on medicine 2. agitated more 3. no as aware/alertness

Accepted Answer

Xyrem:  Falling asleep may be related to the underlying narcolepsy.  Let your doctor know about increased aggressiveness or agitation. If someone losses complete awareness  of their situations, that would be odd.  Issues 2 &amp; 3 aren't ok.  REF: https://www.drugs.com/xyrem.html

Question 4

what are some alternatives to sodium oxybate (narcolepsy, rem, slow wave sleep)?

Accepted Answer

Narcolepsy: Other options would be ssris, snris, tricyclic antidepressants, Stimulants such as Provigil.

Question 5

i have idiopathic hypersomnia that has been resistant to all treatment (stimulants- ir/er ritalin & adderall, nuvigil & provigil, wellbutrin, caffeine, diet/exercise etc.anyone have positive experience with flumazenil, sodium oxybate, or pitolisant?

Accepted Answer

Narcolepsy ?'s: Narcolepsy not affected by the medications mentioned, may require a psychological evaluation for less common causes.

Question 6

since starting xyrem my teeth are in an incredible amount of pain! any idea if it's the sodium or unrelated? air even hurts them- what do i do?!

Accepted Answer

Unrelated: Unless you are also clenching or grinding your teeth unconsciously during the day or at night when you would not be aware of such a habit. I know of no reason to directly attribute your tooth pain to taking xyrem. I would see your own dentist for a complete and thorough dental exam.

Question 7

my son has been on sodium volprate 300mg twice daily and he has decided to stop taking his medications
what do i do?

Accepted Answer

Depends on condition: Valproate is used to treat Bipolar disease, but also Epilepsy and Migraines. If your son has been diagnosed with Bipolar or Epilepsy, then a consultation ASAP with his prescribing physician/counselor is necessary to find the reason for his noncompliance. If taking for migraines, the situation is not as dire and time can be spent determining if another treatment is better for him.

Question 8

what helps lower sodium levels in your body besides medication? i have heard bananas will anything else?

Accepted Answer

Low sodium: Bananas help with low potassium not sodium. Low sodium is treated with water restriction or adjustment of medications, if you are on blood pressure medications. See your doctor for that.

Question 9

i've been taking levothyroxine sodium 0,50 mcg for several months, i used to take only 0,25 mcg and i'm now having symptoms of faintiness and dizziness. i feel better when i don't take the medication. what should i do? i can't quit it completely?

Accepted Answer

: I think you wrote the wrong doses. Your previous dose was 25 mcg (0.025 mg) and current dose is 50 mcg (0.05 mg). If you had been appropriately tested before the dose was changed then you definitely have hypothyroidism and you need thyroid replacement therapy. The current dose may be too high (or not) so you need to be re-tested, do not stop your med, see your doctor ASAP. Take care.

Question 10

i'm 54 yrs and my doc said i have low blood sodium. what can cause this besides medications?

Accepted Answer

Hypoactive thyroid: Is another possible reason if all the medications have been excluded. Have your doctor check TSH level.

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Doctor answers about:

Sodium oxybate medication

A member asked:

Does sodium oxybate age you since it's compared to as using heroin?

A member asked:

How could the government ban things like gamma hydroxy-butyrate/sodium oxybate if it's naturally in the body?

A member asked:

If someone was taking xyrem (sodium oxybate) for narcolepsy would any of these reactions be okay? 1. falling asleep randomly while on medicine 2. agitated more 3. no as aware/alertness

A member asked:

What are some alternatives to sodium oxybate (narcolepsy, rem, slow wave sleep)?

A member asked:

I have idiopathic hypersomnia that has been resistant to all treatment (stimulants- ir/er ritalin & adderall, nuvigil & provigil, wellbutrin, caffeine, diet/exercise etc.anyone have positive experience with flumazenil, sodium oxybate, or pitolisant?

A member asked:

Since starting xyrem my teeth are in an incredible amount of pain! any idea if it's the sodium or unrelated? air even hurts them- what do i do?!

A member asked:

My son has been on sodium volprate 300mg twice daily and he has decided to stop taking his medications what do i do?

A member asked:

What helps lower sodium levels in your body besides medication? i have heard bananas will anything else?

A member asked:

I've been taking levothyroxine sodium 0,50 mcg for several months, i used to take only 0,25 mcg and i'm now having symptoms of faintiness and dizziness. i feel better when i don't take the medication. what should i do? i can't quit it completely?

A member asked:

I'm 54 yrs and my doc said i have low blood sodium. what can cause this besides medications?

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