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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness and Safety of Shugan Jieyu Capsules for the Treatment of Insomnia
Published on: February 17, 2023
Three deaths associated with use of Xyrem
Deborah L Zvosec1, Stephen W Smith, Brad J Hall
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55415, USA. dzvosec@gmail.com
Abstract:
Fatalities resulting from popular use of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) have previously been reported. We report three deaths associated with use of Xyrem (sodium oxybate), a pharmaceutical preparation of GHB initially approved for treatment of narcolepsy with cataplexy. One death appears associated with Xyrem abuse, with extremely high postmortem blood GHB levels documented. Although postmortem blood GHB levels in two other deaths are consistent with therapeutic levels, cause and effect cannot be established. We discuss these cases and factors which may have exerted contributory respiratory depressant effects, singly or in combination, including concurrent use of sedative hypnotics, obstructive sleep apnea, and obesity.
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