Lumryz (sodium oxybate)

Lumryz generic

Lumryz is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

Lumryz dosage

The Lumryz dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

• the dosage of your previous medication, if you were taking an immediate-release version of sodium oxybate (Xyrem)
• the severity of your condition and your body’s response to Lumryz
• other medications you may be taking

The following information describes the dosage that’s commonly recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you.

Drug form and strengths

Lumryz comes as an extended-release powder in packets. Extended release means the drug is slowly released into your body over a period of time. It’s available in four strengths:

• 4.5 grams (g)
• 6 g
• 7.5 g
• 9 g

To prepare each dose, you mix Lumryz powder into water to make a suspension (a liquid mixture) that you swallow. (For more details about this, see the “How to take Lumryz” section just below.)

Dosage for narcolepsy

You’ll take Lumryz once nightly at bedtime, while in bed.

The typical starting dose of Lumryz is 4.5 g. After 1 week, your doctor may increase your dose of Lumryz to 6 g.

Your doctor may continue to increase your dose each week until you reach the amount that’s right for you. This depends on whether the medication is working and how well your body tolerates it. The recommended dosage of Lumryz is 6 g to 9 g taken once per night.

How to take Lumryz

To prepare each dose of Lumryz, you’ll mix Lumryz powder in the cup that’s provided into 1/3 cup (about 80 milliliters) of water to make an oral suspension (a liquid mixture). Then, you swallow the suspension.

Be sure to follow the detailed instructions that come with Lumryz. The manufacturer’s website also has a step-by-step video.

About taking Lumryz

Below you’ll find information about key dosage issues.

• When to take: You should take Lumryz once per night at bedtime, while in bed. You should lie down right after you take your dose and stay in bed after you take it. This is because Lumryz may cause you to fall asleep suddenly.
• If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose of Lumryz, skip the missed dose. Then, continue taking your regular dose the next night at bedtime.
• Taking Lumryz with food: You should not take Lumryz with food. Take Lumryz at least 2 hours after eating. Taking it with food lowers the level of the drug in your body, which may make it less effective.
• Length of use: Lumryz is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Lumryz is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
• Length of time to work: In Lumryz’s studies, considerable reductions in narcolepsy symptoms were seen within 3 weeks. The results included fewer cataplexy episodes per week and less daytime sleepiness. You can learn more about the results of Lumryz’s studies on the manufacturer’s website.
  • Note: Lumryz may cause you to fall asleep right away (within a few seconds to 15 minutes) after you take it. This is why you should take Lumryz in bed and stay in bed after you take it.

Overdose

Using more than the recommended dosage of Lumryz can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Lumryz than your doctor recommends.

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• central nervous system (CNS) depression*
• confusion
• agitation
• vomiting
• sweating
• headache
• impaired coordination
• blurred vision
• seizures
• coma

* Lumryz has a boxed warning for this risk. This is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Lumryz precautions” section below.

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Lumryz side effects

Lumryz can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Lumryz. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Lumryz, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Lumryz, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of Lumryz. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Lumryz’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Lumryz can include:

• nausea
• dizziness
• enuresis (bedwetting)
• headache
• vomiting
• reduced appetite

Some of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Lumryz aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

• sleepwalking (walking or moving around while asleep), which may lead to injury
• depression, which may include symptoms such as:
  • prolonged feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • trouble concentrating
  • changes in appetite, energy level, or sleep patterns
  • suicidal thoughts and behaviors
• other changes in behavior or mental health, which may include:
  • confusion
  • anxiety
  • panic attacks
• impairment of mental alertness and physical coordination
• risk of central nervous system (CNS) depression*
• risk of misuse*

* Lumryz has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Lumryz precautions” section below.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Lumryz can cause an allergic reaction.

This side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies. But allergic reactions have been reported by people who took Lumryz after these studies were completed.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious. You can learn more about possible symptoms in this article.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Lumryz, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Lumryz uses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Lumryz to treat certain conditions. Lumryz may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Lumryz for narcolepsy

The FDA has approved Lumryz to treat certain symptoms in adults with narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a chronic (long-term) brain condition that involves irregular sleep patterns and can make you fall asleep at any time.

Lumryz treats the following symptoms of narcolepsy:

• excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), which can cause you to fall asleep at any time, even while talking or doing activities
• cataplexy (sudden episodes of temporary muscle weakness or paralysis), which can cause your head to drop or your body to collapse unexpectedly

Lumryz is meant to help you get into a deeper, more restful stage of sleep at night. This can help reduce the symptoms of EDS and cataplexy during the day.

You can learn more about narcolepsy and sleep health at our sleep hub.

Lumryz and children

Lumryz is only FDA-approved for use in adults. It isn’t known whether this medication is safe or effective for children.

Lumryz interactions

Lumryz can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.

Before taking Lumryz, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Lumryz drug interactions

Below is a list of drugs that can interact with Lumryz. This list does not contain all medications that may interact with Lumryz. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

* Lumryz has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Lumryz precautions” section below.

Alcohol interaction

You should not consume any alcohol at any time during Lumryz treatment. Doing so can raise the risk of serious side effects.

If you have questions or concerns about avoiding alcohol while taking Lumryz, talk with your doctor.

Lumryz cost and coupons

As with all medications, the cost of Lumryz can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Lumryz, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

A program called RYZUP Support Services is available for Lumryz. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 844-485-7636 or visit the program website.

Generic version:Lumryz is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Other drugs

Other drugs are available that can treat cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in people with narcolepsy. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Lumryz, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

The following drugs are also available for certain types of narcolepsy:

• amphetamine/dextroamphetamine salts (Adderall)
• amphetamine (Adzenys, Evekeo, others)
• armodafinil (Nuvigil)
• dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Zenzedi, others)
• methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, others)
• modafinil (Provigil)
• sodium oxybate (Xyrem)
• sodium oxybate/calcium oxybate/magnesium oxybate/potassium oxybate (Xywav)

Things to consider when taking Lumryz

If you can become pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy, birth control, and breastfeeding.

Lumryz and pregnancy

It’s not known whether Lumryz should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Lumryz and birth control

It’s not known if Lumryz is safe for use during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re taking Lumryz.

Lumryz and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Lumryz should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Common questions about Lumryz

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Lumryz.

How does Lumryz compare with Xyrem?

Xyrem and Lumryz are similar medications. Both are used to treat cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in people with narcolepsy. Xyrem and Lumryz contain the same active ingredient, sodium oxybate.

However, Xyrem contains an immediate-release form of sodium oxybate. This means the drug is released into your body right away after you take a dose. In contrast, Lumryz contains an extended-release form of the drug. This means the medication is released into your body more gradually. This results in different dosing schedules for Lumryz versus Xyrem.

With Xyrem, you take two doses per night: one dose at bedtime and one dose a few hours after the first dose. (Most people need to set an alarm to wake up to take the second dose.) With Lumryz, you only take one dose nightly at bedtime, and the medication keeps working while you’re sleeping.

If you’re interested in switching from Xyrem to Lumryz, talk with your doctor.

Is Lumryz approved for idiopathic hypersomnia?

No, Lumryz is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain symptoms in adults with narcolepsy. Lumryz isn’t approved for treating idiopathic hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness without a known cause).

One example of a medication approved for treating idiopathic hypersomnia is Xywav.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about treatment options for idiopathic hypersomnia.

How does Lumryz work?

Lumryz is meant to help you get into a deeper, more restful stage of sleep at night. This can help reduce certain symptoms of narcolepsy during the day.

Lumryz contains the active ingredient sodium oxybate. Lumryz is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. (The CNS includes your brain and spinal nerves.) CNS depressants, including Lumryz, work by slowing brain activity and causing drowsiness. Lumryz is thought to slow CNS activity by affecting certain chemicals in the brain.

Lumryz is used to treat cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in people with narcolepsy. Lumryz reduces these symptoms by helping you get into a deeper, more restful stage of sleep at night. Note that Lumryz makes you fall asleep quickly after you take a dose, generally within a few seconds to 15 minutes. This is why you should take Lumryz in bed and stay in bed after you take it.

If you have questions about what to expect with Lumryz, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Lumryz precautions

This drug comes with several precautions.

FDA warnings

This drug has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Risk of central nervous system (CNS) depression: Lumryz is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. The CNS includes your brain and spinal nerves. CNS depressants work by slowing the activity of your CNS, including its control over your body’s vital functions and the muscles that help you breathe. If CNS activity becomes too slow, it can lead to obtundation (a reduced level of alertness, commonly described as being “out of it” but still conscious). It can also lead to respiratory depression (slow, shallow breathing), which can be life threatening.

CNS depression is an intended effect of Lumryz. It helps you spend more time in a deep sleep while you’re asleep, which helps lower certain symptoms of narcolepsy while you’re awake. However, too much CNS depression can occur with Lumryz, even when the medication is taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Some participants experienced excessive CNS depression during clinical trials of Lumryz, but it isn’t clear how often this occurred. More than half of the trial participants were also taking a CNS stimulant (such as armodafanil) to treat narcolepsy. Taking Lumryz carries a risk of excessive CNS depression even if you’re also taking a CNS stimulant.

The risk of CNS depression, including respiratory depression, is increased by combining Lumryz with other drugs or substances that can cause CNS depression. You should not drink alcohol or take sedative medications during Lumryz treatment. Examples of sedatives (medications used to help you fall asleep) are zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta).

Other CNS depressants may raise the risk of CNS depression and respiratory depression with Lumryz. Examples include opioid pain medications and benzodiazepines. If it’s medically necessary for your doctor to prescribe a sedating medication, they may have you stop taking Lumryz or lower your dose.

Because of the risk of CNS depression, you should not attempt activities requiring alertness and coordination for at least 6 hours after taking a dose of Lumryz. Examples of such activities are driving or operating machinery.

If you experience trouble breathing while taking Lumryz, you or someone else should call 911 or your local emergency number to get medical help right away.

Risk of misuse: Lumryz contains the active ingredient sodium oxybate. Sodium oxybate is a form of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). GHB is an illicit (illegal) drug.

GHB is a Schedule I controlled substance. Drugs in this category are illegal at the federal level due to their high risk of misuse and lack of medical purpose. (Misuse refers to taking a drug in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. Misuse is also known as abuse.) Lumryz is a Schedule III controlled substance. Drugs in this category have a moderate risk of misuse, but also have a legitimate medical purpose.

Misuse of Lumryz (or abuse of GHB) is associated with severe effects, such as seizures, respiratory depression, coma, and death. It isn’t known whether drug misuse occurred during clinical trials of Lumryz.

Because of this risk, doctors will carefully consider several factors before prescribing Lumryz. These include whether you have problems with drug misuse or substance use disorder, now or in the past.

Lumryz REMS program

Because of the risks of CNS depression and misuse, Lumryz is only available through a restricted program called a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) program. This program requires that:

• only healthcare providers with special certification can prescribe Lumryz
• only pharmacies with special certification are allowed to dispense Lumryz
• only patients who agree to follow the rules for safe use of Lumryz are allowed to have the medication prescribed and dispensed to them

You can learn more about the Lumryz REMS program by calling 1-877-453-1029 or visiting the program website.

Other precautions

Before taking Lumryz, discuss your health history with your doctor. Lumryz may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

• a condition called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (contraindication)
• alcohol use (contraindication)
• use of sedatives, such as insomnia medications (contraindication)
• breathing problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• salt restriction in your diet or have a condition that’s affected by high intake of sodium (salt), such as heart failure, high blood pressure, or chronic kidney disease
• history of depression or suicidal thoughts and behaviors
• liver problems
• history of drug misuse or substance use disorder
• previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Lumryz, see the “Lumryz side effects” section above.