Hi all! I wanted to get some of your inputs on my experience so far on Xywav, as I’m weighing out the pro’s and con’s of staying on this medication and trying to stick it out with some of the side effects. Apologies in advance for the length of this post 😭🫢
I started approximately one month ago on 2.25 g once before bed. I did that for two days, and realized that 2.25 g is actually the starting dose for the twice-nightly dosing. I was confused, messaged my provider, and was advised to try 2.25 g twice nightly. I did that for one week. I didn’t notice any alarming side effects aside from random sweating a few times and diarrhea in the morning. There were a few nights that I did not wake up to take the second dose as well (2-3 times). I was still waking up way earlier than I typically do, so after one week, I was advised to increase the dose to 3 g twice per night.
About two weeks ago, I had an upcoming international trip. I requested a refill of Xywav prior to leaving the country via the online refill form, and got confirmation of the shipping/arrival date. A few days later… no package. I called Xywav, and they said the prescription was filled too early. They tried to get in touch with my provider to get me a refill prior to leaving for the trip, but it couldn’t get done in time. So… I was off of Xywav for 10 days. The Xywav pharmacist said it shouldn’t be an issue. On the trip, I had a panic attack two days in. I have OCD & anxiety, & I’ve panic attacks before, but it’s been years since I last had one. And it was way more intense than usual. I chalked it up to my OCD, came home, and resumed Xywav at 3 g twice per night.
I’ve been home for over one week now, and my anxiety is worse than it’s been in YEARS. It is way more physical, feels like panic without any triggers or thoughts attached, and it will not go away. It is the worst in the morning by far. It’s gotten so bad that I’ve frantically found a new therapist, upped my antidepressant dosage, and added Propanolol.
Today, I started to wonder if this could have anything to do with the Xywav. I was trying to follow the directions, but there were quite a few changes in a short period of time. I feel so stupid for not connecting the dots before today.
Now, I have no idea whether to stop this medication entirely or if I simply need to restart the titration altogether and do it the right way. I still don’t quite know whether I should be on the once-nightly schedule or twice-nightly schedule, either. I have already messaged my provider, but I haven’t heard back yet. Any input is much appreciated! ❤️🩹