XYREM for fibromyalgia?— a difficult but potentially useful treatment

Xyrem (sodium oxybate) is a natural product with three excellent controlled studies showing for fibromyalgia. According to the best research studies about one-third of patients with fibromyalgia who take Xyrem report benefit from the drug. Xyrem is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for a special form of Narcolepsy (insatiable sleepiness). Xyrem for fibromyalgia is not FDA approved but is used ”off-label“ for fibromyalgia and for the most difficult cases of chronic insomnia.

But, there’s a catch. In my hands at least, most persons with moderate or severe fibromyalgia don’t tolerate this medicine. Because I tend to see the most severe fibromyalgia patients, my success rate using Xyrem is considerably less than one-third. However, a few of my patients benefit greatly. So, if all else fails, Xyrem can be considered.

Here are problems you should be aware of first:
Xyrem can suppress breathing, and must never be taken with alcohol or with medicines such as Valium that can depress respiration. Persons with emphysema or other breathing disorders should not take Xyrem. People with untreated sleep apnea - prolonged pauses in respiration during sleep - should not take Xyrem, since Xyrem might prolong the duration of breath-holding episodes.

Xyrem has also been criminally abused as the “date rape” drug. Spiked into a drink, the victim falls asleep and does not know what happens. Because of the abuse potential the Food and Drug Administration together with the pharmaceutical company has developed an outstanding model program to assure that Xyrem is not used for abuse.

Xyrem is available by mail from only one single pharmacy. They have an excellent educational program assuring that each patient understands how to use the Xyrem properly. They’ll even call your health insurance company for you to find out if Xyrem is covered. To talk to the pharmacist or to obtain more information about Xyrem call 1-866 XYREM88 (1-866-997 3688).

Why, despite the negatives have I set up this special page to discuss fibromyalgia treatment with Xyrem? Because Xyrem sometimes helps much when other fibromyalgia treatments have failed. Therefore, the informed fibromyalgia patient should know that Xyrem’s out there.