Research Brief
A new study on the drug sodium oxybate shows physiological changes to sleep phases in people with fibromyalgia.
Researchers used polysomnography (sleep study) to gauge sleep problems before treatment and treatment-related changes in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. They documented changes both in sleep physiology and subjective symptoms.
Before treatment, sleep disorders included:
- Alpha-wave intrusion (wakeful brain activity during deep sleep)
- Periodic limb movement disorder
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Sodium oxybate, in doses of both 4.5 and 6 grams per night, increased Stage 2 sleep, slowwave sleep and total non-REM sleep, according to researchers. (REM stands for rapid eye movement and is the stage of sleep where dreaming occurs.)
Further, study participants reported feeling better rested, less fatigued and more able to function. Some also reported less pain.
In this study, side effects included:
- Nausea
- Pain in the extremities
- Nervous system disorders
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Kidney or urinary disorders
Sodium oxybate is the active ingredient in the narcolepsy drug Xyrem. An FDA advisory panel is slated to meet Aug. 20, 2010 to review an application for sodium oxybate as a fibromyalgia treatment.
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- Sodium Oxybate: Odds of Approval
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