Last year I tried to make some fairly strong efforts to get a prescription for Xyrem from my sleep specialist, or others in my area, but got nothing but resistance. I don't have narcolepsy (diagnosed with idiopathic insomnia) although I do sometimes suffer from sleep paralysis and the associated hallucinations. Has anyone here had luck with getting GHB prescribed 'offlabel' for related sleeping disorders or ADHD? I understand that GHB can be dangerous in the wrong hands, but I wish the restrictions on its prescribing weren't quite so tight.

You'll have to find a specialist that has experience with prescribing it. Like ADD, GHB is misunderstood by 99% of the population and 98% of physicians and specialists. Having an insomnia diagnosis at least qualifies you as Xyrem candidate.

If you have sleep disorders (plural), why are you drugging, and diagnosing yourself, rather than getting a Sleep Study (polysomnography)?

Talk to me after you have some seizures from it, Dude.

It ain't pretty to see folks on/off GHB in the emergency room

PS. Alcohol can never replace GHB. Trying that trick for replacing GHB can also create a bad outcome.

Emma

Well like I said I was seeing a sleep specialist. Three years ago the first thing we did was have a sleep study done and it found that I had ~50 short awakenings / alpha-wave intrusions. About 10 or so could be explained by sleep apnea / hypopnea but that is not enough for a diagnosis for that. So he diagnosed me with idiopathic insomnia and we tried some sleep medications (or medications that can be used for that purpose) (not in exact order):

ambien
sonata
remeron
lunesta
nuerontin
gabatril

We also tried some stimulants/stimulant-alternatives to help with my EDS and add-like symptoms:

provigil
adderall
dexedrine
concerta
strattera
wellbutrin

All of these medications worked for the first couple days but the effects wore off quickly with consecutive use, and I can only get minor benefit from any one of these if I space dosing out to once every week or two.

I have also tried using a CPAP machine, a light box, and alternative supplements like meletonin to no avail.

I understand the dangers of GHB and have looked at both sides of the story. I know that as you increase the dose, the effects increase expontentially and it can put you into a coma/death without much more than what is considered a normal dose. This has been proven in the past, although I'm almost certain that all who have died or gotten terribly sick from this drug are those that abused it during the time when it wasn't scheduled. I also know that with proper use (which the Xyrem program seems to enforce very well), the drug does remarkable things for people with narcolepsy.

I really don't think I have anything to lose, and I have proven to myself that I am responsible enough to avoid abuse/dependence issues. I just need to find a doctor who is willing to work with me on a trial to see if its going to get me the sleep I need.

All that being said, I understand why a lot of people out there think its a terrible drug. It can erase memory (date-rape uses) or kill you, and there are a lot of parents out there who have lost kids to this. But at the safe dosages it has been shown to be an effective way of inducing proper sleep in those who can't stay in stage 3/4.

I know that as you increase the dose, the effects increase expontentially and it can put you into a coma/death without much more than what is considered a normal dose.
It can erase memory (date-rape uses) or kill you, and there are a lot of parents out there who have lost kids to this.
"Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (4-hydroxybutanoic acid, C4H8O3) is both a drug and a naturally occurring compound found in the central nervous system as well as in other organs as liver, kidneys, heart and bones.
Medical
It has been used as a general anesthetic, and a hypnotic in the treatment of insomnia. GHB has also been used to treat clinical depression, and improve athletic performance."

I've had lot's of experience with ghb. The only way you can die from an overdose is if you fall asleep while driving a car and crash into an oncoming car, tree, etc.
There is no memory erasing episodes whatsoever. Instead of a hangover you're more likely to feel better the next day. If you have an alarm clock you won't have to worry about sleeping late.

Rohypnol is the date rape drug. GHB was lumped in with this medication because both are sedatives

saskman, im curious to know what are u taking ghb for (id assume narc with cataplexy) and how has it helped u specifically?

I first became aware of it while researching medication for social phobia.
I'm one to try anything once. GHB does produce a euphoria and you certainly feel more social. However because of it's sedative action it's not too practical for all day use. It's similar to alcohol without the side effects. No dehydration etc. For sleep, it's great, although there is a rebound dopamine affect that wakes you up after a few hours of good sleep. You can still drop off after this wake up however. There is no lingering sedation the next day. If anything you might feel more energetic the next day.

wow, im amazed u were able to get a prescription for ghb for social phobia! i see u are from canada but even then i find that amazing. how many ml of it are u taking???

My useage is past tense. Xyrem was not around at that time so there were no prescriptions, if you know what I mean.