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Sodium oxybate: a guide to its use in narcolepsy

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Abstract

Oral sodium oxybate solution (Xyrem®) is a valuable first-line option for the treatment of narcolepsy. It reduces both the major narcolepsy symptoms of cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness, as well as having beneficial effects on sleep-related parameters and other symptoms of narcolepsy. Risk-management strategies, warnings and precautions should be followed to minimize the risk of abuse/misuse and adverse effects potentially associated with the use of sodium oxybate.

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Acknowledgments

The manuscript was reviewed by: M.D. Lemon, Veterans Affairs Black Hills Health Care System and College of Pharmacy, South Dakota State University, Fort Meade, South Dakota, USA; M.B. Scharf, TriState Sleep Disorders Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

Disclosure

The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding. K.A. Lyseng-Williamson is a salaried employee of Adis/Springer. During the peer review process, the manufacturers of the agent under review were offered an opportunity to comment on the article. Changes resulting from comments received were made by the author on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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  1. Adis, Level 1, 5 The Warehouse Way, Northcote 0627; Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, North Shore 0754, Auckland, New Zealand

    Katherine A. Lyseng-Williamson

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  1. Katherine A. Lyseng-Williamson
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Correspondence to Katherine A. Lyseng-Williamson.

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Lyseng-Williamson, K.A. Sodium oxybate: a guide to its use in narcolepsy. Drugs Ther Perspect 30, 282–289 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-014-0140-6

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