Lumryz™ is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It is approved to treat adults and children 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy. It specifically treats excessive daytime sleepiness as well as muscle weakness (cataplexy), if present. Lumryz works by reducing electrical activity in the brain.1-4
Not everyone can take Lumryz because of cost, safety concerns, or other risks. Lumryz can cause serious side effects, including trouble breathing and mental health problems. Lumryz also has the potential for abuse and misuse. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of Lumryz.1,2
What are the ingredients in Lumryz?
The active ingredient in Lumryz is sodium oxybate.1,5
How does Lumryz work?
Lumryz is a CNS depressant. These drugs reduce electrical activity in the brain. Depressants are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, and other ongoing (chronic) conditions.1
Sodium oxybate is a form of GHB. GHB is a naturally occurring substance in the brain. Our bodies use GHB to make a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) called gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA. Experts think Lumryz works by binding proteins called GABA receptors. GABA receptors play a key role in reducing how nerve cells (neurons) send, receive, or create messages.1,2
Lumryz produces deep sleep through much of the night. After several weeks of regular use, it improves daytime sleepiness and cataplexy. Your doctor may increase your dose slowly if symptoms persist. But higher doses have a higher risk of causing side effects.2,3,5
What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effects of Lumryz are:1,3
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Bedwetting
- Headache
- Vomiting
Lumryz can also cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you notice:1,3
- Breathing problems
- Mental health problems, including confusion, hallucinations, and depression
- Sleepwalking
Lumryz has a boxed warning, the strictest warning from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has this warning for 2 reasons.1
The first reason is the risk of significant CNS depression. The risk is higher if you take Lumryz with certain other drugs. Symptoms of CNS depression include:1
- Trouble breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Changes in alertness
- Fainting
- Death
The second reason is the risk of abuse and misuse. Lumryz is a federally controlled substance. The active ingredient is a form of GHB, which is also a federally controlled substance. Abuse of GHB with or without other CNS depressants can cause:1
- Seizure
- Trouble breathing
- Changes in alertness
- Coma
- Death
These are not all the possible side effects of Lumryz. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Lumryz. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Lumryz.
Other things to know
Take Lumryz as your doctor prescribes. They will explain how to use Lumryz safely and effectively.
Do not do anything that requires you to be fully awake for at least 6 hours after taking Lumryz. This includes driving a car or using other heavy machinery. Make sure you know how Lumryz affects you before doing these activities.1,3
Lumryz is only available by prescription and filled through certified pharmacies. You must be enrolled in a safety program to receive Lumryz. This is because of the risks of CNS depression and abuse and misuse.1,6
Before beginning treatment for narcolepsy, tell your doctor about all your health conditions. This includes if you have:1,3
- A history of drug abuse
- Short periods of not breathing while sleeping (sleep apnea)
- Trouble breathing or lung problems
- A history of depression or anxiety
- Liver, kidney, or heart problems
Tell your doctor about any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs. Taking Lumryz with other CNS depressants can cause serious problems. Other CNS depressants include alcohol, drugs to help you sleep, and some drugs to treat pain.1,3
For more information, read the full prescribing information of Lumryz.