Mixing booze and pills is always a bad combination, but the FDA still must continually warn people about this. In one of the latest warnings, the FDA is telling healthcare professionals to let patients know that mixing the drug sodium oxybate (Xyrem), used for weakness and narcolepsy, with alcohol or central nervous system depressants can kill.
According to the FDA, the mix can impair consciousness and cause respiratory depression. This can lead to losing consciousness, coma, and death.
Besides alcohol, patients who take Xyrem should avoid central nervous system drugs such as:
- Opioid analgesics
- Benzodiazepines
- Sedating antidepressants or antipsychotics
- General anesthetics
- Muscle relaxants
- Insomnia drugs
The FDA says a new boxed warning states that sodium oxybate can only be distributed to patients who are enrolled in the Xyrem Success Program. This program is to help inform patients and pharmacists about the correct usage of the drug, as well as its risks and benefits. There is also website and contact information for Jazz Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer.
Other side effects of taking the drug include confusion, depression, and other neuropsychiatric problems.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a defective drug, please contact an experienced personal injury attorney in your area today.