F.D.A. Approves Use of [Nar... Nar... Zzzzzzzz...] Narcolepsy Drug

The New York Times ^ | July 18, 2002 | Reuters

[Silly]

WASHINGTON, July 17 (Reuters) — The government today approved the use of the Xyrem drug from Orphan Medical Inc. for some patients with narcolepsy but said distribution would be tightly controlled because of lingering concerns about the drug, which was banned in the 1990's for its use in date rapes.

The Food and Drug Administration said it would allow Xyrem to be prescribed for patients with weak or paralyzed muscles associated with narcolepsy, an irresistible tendency to fall asleep.

But the agency said the drug — which was removed from the market because of abuse as a sleep-inducing recreational drug often associated with cases of date rape — would be listed as a "controlled substance," meaning it could not be sold, distributed or provided to anyone other than for its intended use.

Illicit use of Xyrem, or gamma hydroxybutyrate, also known as GHB, would be subject to stiff penalties under Schedule I, the most restrictive list of controlled substances, it said.

"Because of safety concerns associated with use of the drug, the distribution of Xyrem will be tightly restricted," the F.D.A. said, noting that it banned marketing of Xyrem after serious abuse of the drug, which led to the deaths of several people.

The drug was initially marketed in the early 1990's as a dietary supplement claiming to enhance athletic performance and sexual activity, as well as inducing sleep. But it quickly gained notoriety for its use in date rape.

[Silly]

This article will put you to sleep...

Good night, everyone!

Still being,

[Silly]

Okay: Which among you suffers from narcolepsy? Don't be shy, tell us -- and give us some crazy stories, too.

[Paul Atreides]

Isn't modern science wonderful?! They have harnessed Al Bore into a pill.

[Paul Atreides]

which was removed from the market because of abuse as a sleep-inducing recreational drug often associated with cases of date rape

For Bubba, it had the extra benefit of not having to endure the woman pointing and laughing.

[Silly]

It doesn't cause narcolepsy, it cures it.

[Paul Atreides]

The drug was initially marketed in the early 1990's as a dietary supplement claiming to enhance athletic performance and sexual activity, as well as inducing sleep. But it quickly gained notoriety for its use in date rape.

[Silly]

Okay, okay, I'm starting to understand. Give me a break -- I just woke up from a nap.

[Paul Atreides]

LOL!! Don't worry about it. I had to reread it a couple of times myself.

[Chad Fairbanks]

...distribution would be tightly controlled because of lingering concerns about the drug, which was banned in the 1990's for its use in date rapes...

What????? You can't use this drug to date rape anymore????

[Kermit]

How does a sleep-inducing drug work in narcolepsy? Hmmmm, odd.

[monkey]

They sleep better at night, so they aren't as prone to daily episodes.

GHB produces deep (nonparadoxical) sleep. It could be a real benefit for lots of people.

[Sweet_Sunflower29]

But the agency said the drug — which was removed from the market because of abuse as a sleep-inducing recreational drug often associated with cases of date rape —

I can already hear the lawyers rubbing their hands together in gleeful [$] anticipation...

[Kermit]

Oh, that makes sense. thanks.