Three deaths associated with use of Xyrem.
Fatalities resulting from popular use of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) have previously been reported. We report three deaths associated with use of Xyrem (sodium oxybate), a pharmaceutical preparation of GHB initially approved for treatment of narcolepsy with cataplexy. One death appears associated with Xyrem abuse, with extremely high postmortem blood GHB levels documented. Although postmortem blood GHB levels in two other deaths are consistent with therapeutic levels, cause and effect cannot be established. We discuss these cases and factors which may have exerted contributory respiratory depressant effects, singly or in combination, including concurrent use of sedative hypnotics, obstructive sleep apnea, and obesity.
Zvosec
Deborah L
DL
Department of Emergency Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55415, USA. dzvosec@gmail.com
Smith
Stephen W
SW
Hall
Brad J
BJ
D000328:Adult; D002491:Central Nervous System Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000506:poisoning; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009290:Narcolepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*
D002491:Central Nervous System Agents; D012978:Sodium Oxybate