Update on the sleep meds/issues

[Guest guest]

Hello All,

Since Francesca brought it up, here is the update on the sleep meds.

A company called Orphan Medical took GHB and went through the FDA red

tape to get the product on the market with the trade name of Xyrem.

Back when the product was legal for all to use, I got out on medline

and read about 45 abstracts. Even through the product was legal for

many years (since its invention in the 60s), it wasn't until the FDA

sent out its warning letter that any cases of abuse or problems were

recorded that I could find. As the demonization grew, so did the

stupid abuse of taking the product with alchohol or pills. Well,

only Orphan Medical was willing to push it through the red tape, and

the FDA has put all kinds of restrictions on it to make it virtually

impossible to get, unless you have confirmed narcolepsy with

cataplexy problems.

I found the whole experience angering because about 4 years ago, I

was able to get the product legally, and it was and still is the best

sleep aid I've ever taken. I didn't have any problems with the

product at all. I also used a product called Renewtrient with

success.

Well, the products are now illegal, and or difficult to get at best.

I contacted Orphan and asked if they were ever going to push for

expanding the usage profile, and they clearly stated NO. I got the

impression that the FDA is watching them like a vulture.

This is just a FYI. If anyone has any news about these two products,

I would be interested.