Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, drug interactions, precautions, dosing recommendations, and patient counseling of sodium oxybate for the treatment of cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy. DATA SOURCES: STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: DATA SYNTHESIS: CONCLUSIONS:
Sodium oxybate is safe and effective for the treatment of cataplexy. Potential disadvantages include a multiple dosing regimen, abuse potential, cost, and a closed distribution system. Potential advantages demonstrated in clinical trials include significant decreases in the number of weekly cataplexy attacks, improvement in daytime sleepiness, and improvement in the Clinical Global Impression of Change score and nighttime awakenings. Overall, sodium oxybate provides a new option for the treatment of cataplexy.
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Authors | Michael D Lemon, Joe D Strain, Debra K Farver |
Journal | The Annals of pharmacotherapy
(Ann Pharmacother)
Vol. 40
Issue 3
Pg. 433-40; quiz 581-2
(Mar 2006)
ISSN: 1060-0280 [Print] United States |
PMID | 16507620
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Cataplexy
(complications, drug therapy)
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Databases, Factual
- Humans
- Narcolepsy
(complications)
- Sleep
(drug effects)
- Sodium Oxybate
(adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use)
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