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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by christophrejmc on July 19, 2008, at 1:45:59
My sleep doc seems to be convinced that I have narcolepsy, which seems quite likely considering my constant daytime sleepiness (including the strong urge to nap/microsleep throughout the day) and possibly my trouble getting to sleep. I'm hoping that taking care of this will also have an effect on my mood/anxiety.
He wants to prescribe Xyrem if my sleep study confirms narcolepsy. Does anyone have anything to report about Xyrem's effect on depression/anxiety? Specifically using the prescibed dosing and not small amounts during the day.
Thanks,
Chris
Posted by ClubSoda on July 22, 2008, at 9:59:30
In reply to Xyrem and anxiety/depression, posted by christophrejmc on July 19, 2008, at 1:45:59
I've been taking Xyrem for about 1.5 years and it's made a world of difference. I'm taking it because I have "alpha-intrusion" sleep and not specifically for depression. But, since my quality of sleep has improved I believe my depression has improved along with it.
Posted by ClubSoda on July 22, 2008, at 10:10:38
In reply to Xyrem and anxiety/depression, posted by christophrejmc on July 19, 2008, at 1:45:59
A couple of more things - The average dose is between 6 -9 grams split into two doses. I'm currently at 8 grams (4 and 4) and have been for close to a year. I take the first dose right before bed and I generally wake up 2-3 hours later and take the 2nd dose.
I don't know anything about taking small amounts during the day. I would think that would be a bad thing given it's rapid sedating effect.
It does taste pretty nasty. The active ingredient is Sodium Oxybate with the emphasis on sodium. Super salty. You get 2 pill bottles which act as the dosing cups. I put in 4 grams of the liquid (you get a syringe too) into the pill bottle and fill it about 3/4 of the way with water.
So anyway, I don't know about taking it specifically for depression. I do think that as my quality of sleep has improved so has my depressions.
Oh, and last but not least, it is expensive $$$$! My months supply is 2.5 bottles. It costs around $900 a month. My insurance covers it so I only pay $50. My last insurance only paid part so I had to pay $232 a month. I was out of work for a couple of months and cobra would not cover it. You can only get it from one central pharmacy and they gave me a little discount until I could get back on my feet. I think I paid about $800. It was worth it.
This is the end of the thread.
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