Further research on Xyrem(R)/sodium oxybate treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnea is needed.

摘要

We read the article by George et al. entitled "A 2-week, polysomnographic, safety study of sodium oxybate in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome," [1] with interest and appreciate the recent attention to the issue of safe use of sodium oxybate (SXB)/Xyrem~R among patients with conditions of compromised respiratory function such as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). SXB/Xyrem~R is a pharmaceutical formulation of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), which is a central nervous system depressant and may therefore exert potentially profound respiratory depressant effects.