Alcohol and Sodium oxybate interaction
Alcohol and Sodium oxybate: the Sodium oxybate prescribing label flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
From the Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) label · effective 2025-07-01
• combination with alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .
• In combination with sedative hypnotics or alcohol ( 4 )
Xyrem is contraindicated in combination with alcohol and sedative hypnotics.
Alcohol, Sedative Hypnotics, and CNS Depressants Xyrem is contraindicated for use in combination with alcohol or sedative hypnotics.
The rapid onset of sedation, coupled with the amnestic features of Xyrem, particularly when combined with alcohol, has proven to be dangerous for the voluntary and involuntary user (e.g., assault victim).
Curated guidance for Alcohol
Combining alcohol with sedating medicines (opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep medicines, muscle relaxants) can cause dangerous drowsiness, slowed breathing, and overdose.
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Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.