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sodium oxybate

GABA analogue, Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) salt · Agent for Narcolepsy, Agent for Alcohol Use Disorder

GABA analogue, Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) saltAgent for Narcolepsy, Agent for Alcohol Use Disorder
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
12 major
incl. contraindicated
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Top interactionssee all 12 →
  • MidazolamContraindicatedDatabaseKimi deep-research + Cla
  • AcrivastineSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • AlfentanilSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • AlimemazineSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Structurally similar to GABA, it is thought to act by mimicking the effects of ethanol at GABAA and GABAB receptors, increasing dopamine levels in the mesocorticolimbic circuitry, and reducing craving.

Indications

cataplexyexcessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsyprevent relapse in alcohol use disorder (approved in Italy and Austria)treat alcohol withdrawal (approved in Italy and Austria)Fragmented night sleep (in narcolepsy)Improving alertness (in narcolepsy)Reducing cataplexy (in narcolepsy)

Side effects

Serious
  • Excessive sedation (at too high a dosage)
  • Nausea (at too high a dosage)
  • Confusion (at too high a dosage)

Drug interactions

Midazolam
Contraindicated
Database

Profound CNS/respiratory depression

Do not combine

Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla

Acrivastine
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Alfentanil
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Alimemazine
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Alprazolam
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy.

Source: DDInter

Amitriptyline
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy.

Source: DDInter

Amoxapine
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Apomorphine
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Aripiprazole
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy.

Source: DDInter

Asenapine
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Azatadine
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Baclofen
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy.

Source: DDInter

Related guidelines

Alcohol use disorder
MOHFW · Psychiatry · 2021
Substance use disorders
NIMHANS · Psychiatry · 2022
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
FOGSI · Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2019
Stroke and TIA — secondary prevention
AHA · Neurology · 2021
Tobacco-related cancer prevention
ICMR · Oncology · 2021

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Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e, Harrison 22e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team