Posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 9, 2003, at 21:56:46
In reply to What is Xyrem?, posted by EscherDementian on September 9, 2003, at 16:34:21
It's GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), which you may remember was demonized in the media some time ago as a date-rape drug. It's a colorless and nearly tasteless (a bit salty) liquid that was slipped into the victims' drinks. A very small amount would render the person unconscious. (Note: don't confuse this with Rohypnol [roofies], the date-rape pill, which is a benzodiazepine)
GHB had been a Schedule I controlled substance in the U.S. (i.e. illegal, not available by prescription) for a while, and just last summer was approved by the FDA to treat narcoleptic cataplexy. This prescription form is now a Schedule III controlled substance (accepted medical use, but fairly high potential for abuse), though when distributed or used illegally, the offender will be prosecuted for possession/sale/intent to sell/whatever of a Schedule I controlled substance.
Orphan Medical, the manufacturer of Xyrem, is trying to avoid the stigma attached to the name "gamma hydroxybutyrate" by using a different generic name for its product -- sodium oxybate. Clever, huh? lol Anyway, here's their site for more info:
poster:Ame Sans Vie
thread:258494
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030907/msgs/258596.html