The abrupt cessation of therapeutically administered sodium oxybate (GHB) does not cause withdrawal symptoms

Sodium oxybate (gamma-hydroxybutyrate; GHB) has demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of narcolepsy. However, there are reports of withdrawal following chronic abuse of illicit GHB which involve escalating both doses and dosing frequency. The present trial afforded an opportunity to test the hypothesis that chronic daily therapeutic dosing of sodium oxybate in narcoleptics does not cause withdrawal following abrupt cessation. Fifty-five narcoleptic patients, taking sodium oxybate (dose range 3-9 gm/night) for 7-44 months (mean 21 months), were randomized into a 2-week double-blind period: 29 patients received placebo and 26 continued to receive sodium oxybate. During this 2-week trial period, the following symptoms were reported in patients receiving placebo (N): anxiety (2), dizziness (1), insomnia (1) and somnolence (1). While these symptoms may represent possible symptoms of mild GHB withdrawal, they are also highly consistent with the returning symptoms of narcolepsy. We conclude there is minimal evidence of withdrawal symptoms following abrupt cessation of chronic sodium oxybate dosing in the therapeutic range.