Lumryz (sodium oxybate) is a once-nightly medicine used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cataplexy in people with narcolepsy.
Like most medicines, Lumryz can cause side effects and interact with other medicines, supplements, or alcohol.
Keep reading to learn about possible Lumryz side effects, how to manage them, and which medicines may interact with Lumryz.
This article does not include all possible side effects or interactions. Tell your health care provider about any symptoms that concern you or do not improve.
Lumryz Side Effects
Common side effects
The most common side effects reported with Lumryz include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Bedwetting
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Lower appetite
Serious side effects
While less common, potentially serious side effects of Lumryz include:
- Central nervous system (CNS) depression
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
- Confusion, hallucinations, or other changes in mood or behavior
- Sleepwalking or other unusual behaviors during sleep
- Abuse, misuse, or dependence
- Problems related to sodium content in people with certain medical conditions
If you have symptoms that feel serious or life-threatening, seek medical care right away.
How to Manage Lumryz Side Effects
While not a complete guide, the following sections take a closer look at potential side effects of Lumryz, including ways you may be able to prevent or manage them.
1. Central nervous system (CNS) depression
CNS depression is a medical term for slowed activity of your brain and nerves. Since your brain and nerves control many other important body functions, CNS depression can result in slow or shallow breathing or even cause breathing to stop. CNS depression can also cause extreme sleepiness, confusion, falls, or loss of consciousness.
Because of these risks, Lumryz carries a boxed warning for severe drowsiness and slow breathing. You may also fall asleep soon after taking it, sometimes without first feeling sleepy. Some people have been injured after falling while standing or getting out of bed after taking Lumryz.
To help reduce your risk:
- Take Lumryz only when you are already in bed and ready to go to sleep.
- Lie down immediately after taking your dose and remain in bed.
- Never drink alcohol while taking Lumryz.
- Avoid sleep aids, “nighttime” cold medicines, or other medicines that cause drowsiness unless your health care provider tells you it is safe.
- Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other hazardous activities for at least six hours after taking Lumryz.
Contact your health care provider if you notice worsening daytime sleepiness the day after taking Lumryz. Seek emergency medical care if you or someone else has trouble breathing or cannot be awakened after taking Lumryz.
2. Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting were among the most common side effects reported with Lumryz in studies. Nausea is the feeling that you may throw up, although it does not always lead to vomiting. These side effects may improve as your body adjusts to the medicine.
The following tips may help with nausea:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals during the day.
- Choose bland foods, such as crackers, toast, rice, or broth.
- Avoid greasy, spicy, or strong-smelling foods.
- Sip clear liquids throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- Try ginger chews or tea made with ginger or peppermint, but do not mix Lumryz with hot tea or hot water.
Contact your health care provider if nausea or vomiting is severe, does not go away, or prevents you from eating or drinking normally. They may suggest medicines to help with nausea or adjust your Lumryz dose. You should not change your dose on your own.
3. Dizziness
Some people may feel dizzy while taking Lumryz. Possible symptoms include feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or like you might fall or faint. So take Lumryz only when you are in bed and ready to go to sleep, and make sure that you stay in bed after taking your dose.
To help manage dizziness:
- Stand up slowly after sitting or lying down.
- Sit or lie down if you begin feeling dizzy.
- Drink enough fluids throughout the day unless your health care provider has told you to limit fluids.
- Use extra caution on stairs or uneven surfaces.
Tell your health care provider if dizziness becomes severe, causes falls, or does not improve. Your treatment plan may need to be adjusted.
4. Bedwetting
Bedwetting (also called enuresis) is another common side effect of Lumryz. In clinical trials of people aged 16 years or older, bedwetting became more common as the dose increased, affecting 2% of people taking 4.5 grams and 9% of those taking the 7.5-gram or 9-gram doses.
Lumryz promotes deep sleep, which may make it harder to wake up when your bladder is full. Although it is usually not harmful, it can be frustrating or embarrassing.
Some tips to help manage this side effect include:
- Avoid drinking large amounts of fluids close to bedtime unless your health care provider tells you otherwise.
- Empty your bladder right before getting into bed and taking your bedtime dose.
- Consider using absorbent underwear or protective pads at night if bedwetting is frequent or disrupts your sleep. Use a waterproof mattress if needed.
- Wash and change bedding promptly to help prevent skin irritation.
If bedwetting is frequent, bothersome, or does not improve over time, let your health care provider know. They may recommend lowering your dose or making other changes to help manage this side effect.
5. Mood, behavior, and mental health changes
Lumryz may cause changes in mood, thinking, or behavior. These side effects are uncommon but can be serious.
Possible symptoms include:
- New or worsening depression
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
- Thoughts about harming yourself
Household members and caregivers should also watch for unusual changes in mood or behavior.
Contact your health care provider right away if you notice any of these symptoms. If you have thoughts of suicide or feel like you may act on them, seek emergency medical care, call 911, or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Your health care provider may lower your dose or stop treatment.
6. Sleepwalking and other unusual nighttime behaviors
Lumryz may cause sleepwalking or other unusual behaviors during sleep. In some cases, people have even been injured during these episodes.
Take the following precautions, if possible:
- Make your bedroom and home as safe as possible by removing tripping hazards.
- Lock doors or windows if sleepwalking is a concern.
- Tell household members or caregivers to watch for unusual nighttime behaviors.
Contact your health care provider if you or someone else notices sleepwalking or other unusual behaviors during sleep. Your treatment may need to be changed.
Lumryz Interactions
An interaction happens when a substance changes how a medicine works or affects the body. Some interactions may increase the risk of side effects, while others may make Lumryz less effective.
Lumryz can interact with other medicines, supplements, and alcohol.
Because Lumryz slows activity in the brain and nervous system, some interactions can greatly increase the risk of excessive sleepiness, breathing problems, falls, or loss of consciousness.
This is not a complete list of interactions, but the following are among the most important to know.
Sleep medicines and other medicines that cause drowsiness
Many medicines that make you sleepy can interact with Lumryz. Medicines that can cause drowsiness are called CNS depressants.
Examples include:
- Opioid pain medicines
- Benzodiazepines, which are used for anxiety, sleep, seizures, or other conditions
- Sleep aids
- Muscle relaxants
- Some medicines for depression or other mental health conditions
- Certain medicines for seizures
- Some antihistamines, which are found in many over-the-counter (OTC) products for cough, cold and flu, allergies, sleep, and motion sickness, among others
When taken with Lumryz, these medicines may increase the risk of excessive sleepiness, slowed breathing, fainting, falls, and death. Never start or stop these medicines without consulting your health care provider first.
These medicines are typically not used with Lumryz. In some cases, your health care provider may lower the dose of one or both medicines or tell you to temporarily stop Lumryz while you take another sedating medicine, such as an opioid pain medicine after surgery.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while taking Lumryz.
Like the medicines listed above, alcohol is a CNS depressant. Alcohol can greatly raise the risk of dangerous side effects, including slowed breathing, extreme sleepiness, loss of consciousness, and death. Alcohol may also cause Lumryz to release its medicine more quickly than intended.
If you drink alcohol regularly, tell your health care provider before starting Lumryz.
Divalproex
Divalproex is a medicine used for conditions such as seizures, bipolar disorder, and migraine headaches.
Taking divalproex with Lumryz might raise the level of sodium oxybate in your body, increasing the risk of side effects. Sleepiness is also a possible side effect of divalproex.
If you must take both medicines, your health care provider may recommend a lower dose of Lumryz and monitor you more closely.
FAQs: Lumryz interactions
Does Lumryz interact with vitamins or supplements?
Possibly. Tell your health care provider and pharmacist about any vitamins, herbal products, or dietary supplements you take before starting Lumryz.
Some supplements can cause drowsiness and may increase the sedative effects of Lumryz. Examples include melatonin, valerian, kava, and cannabidiol (CBD).
To be safe, do not start a new supplement without checking with your health care provider first.
Does Lumryz interact with food?
Yes. Food can reduce how much Lumryz your body absorbs. Take Lumryz at least two hours after eating for the medicine to work as in
Reducing Your Risk of Side Effects and Interactions
You can help lower your risk of side effects and interactions by taking Lumryz exactly as prescribed and following all instructions from your health care provider as well as the following tips.
- Report any bothersome side effects or new or worsening symptoms to your health care provider.
- Tell your health care provider and pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take.
- Check with your health care team before starting or stopping any medicine or supplement.
- Take Lumryz at least two hours after eating and only when you are already in bed.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking Lumryz.
Your health care provider can review your treatment plan and make changes if needed to help keep your treatment as safe and effective as possible.
