magnesium oxybate

**Magnesium oxybate** is one of the salts contained in the FDA-approved pharmaceutical **Xywav**, which is a combination of calcium oxybate, magnesium oxybate, potassium oxybate, and sodium oxybate. Xywav is used to treat cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness) or excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy in adults and children, and also to treat idiopathic hypersomnia in adults[1][6]. The central active component is oxybate (the salt form of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, GHB), a central nervous system depressant. The mechanism of action is believed to involve binding to GABA-B receptors in the brain, altering neurotransmitter signaling in regions such as noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurons and thalamocortical circuits that regulate sleep and wakefulness[3][6]. This low-sodium formulation was developed as an alternative to sodium oxybate (Xyrem), to decrease cardiovascular risk in at-risk populations[6]. Xywav, and thus magnesium oxybate, is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse[1].

Brand names

Xywav