We heard you, parents of college-bound students.

Although our College Success Series recently came to a close, a conversation during our support group for parents and supporters made it clear that there was another important topic to address: managing sodium oxybates while living in a college dorm.

Sodium oxybate is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms of narcolepsy, including cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness. Oxybate medications, including Xyrem and Xywav, are taken at night and can cause sleep very quickly. Because they are controlled substances with specific safety, storage, and dosing requirements, managing them in a college dorm can require additional planning.

That is why we are extending the series with this additional resource. Every student’s treatment plan is different, but thinking through medication storage, deliveries, schedules, roommates, and accommodations before move-in can make the transition feel more manageable.

Talk With the Healthcare Team

Before the semester begins, students should speak with their healthcare provider about how college life may affect their medication routine. This includes late-night studying, evening activities, travel, changing meal schedules, and missed doses.

Students should always take their medication exactly as prescribed and should not change their dose or schedule without talking to their healthcare provider.

Plan for Storage and Deliveries

Sodium oxybate is a controlled substance and should be kept in a safe, secure location. In a shared dorm room, students may want to use a lockable medication box or small safe and keep the key or combination private.

Families should also contact the specialty pharmacy before move-in to update the student’s address and determine where medication can be delivered, who may sign for it, and how refills will be managed during breaks and travel.

Do not assume a residence hall desk or campus mailroom can accept medication deliveries. Confirm the school’s procedures in advance.

Create a Nighttime Routine

College schedules can be unpredictable. Students should plan how meals, studying, activities, and bedtime will fit with their prescribed routine.

Some oxybate regimens require two nighttime doses, while others may be prescribed differently. Students should follow the instructions for their specific medication, including guidance about eating, preparing doses, using an alarm, and what to do if a dose is missed.

Practicing the routine at home before move-in may help students feel more comfortable managing it independently.

Talk Honestly About Alcohol

Alcohol should not be used with sodium oxybate or mixed-oxybate medications. Combining them can increase the risk of serious breathing problems, loss of consciousness, coma, or death.

Students should speak openly with their healthcare provider about social situations and irregular college schedules so they understand the risks and have a medically appropriate plan.

Consider Accommodations and an Emergency Plan

Students may want to contact their college’s disability or accessibility services office to discuss housing accommodations, such as a single room or permission to keep a secure medication lockbox.

Students have a right to privacy, but they may choose to tell one trusted roommate, resident assistant, friend, or campus health professional what to do in an emergency. That person does not need access to the medication or every detail of the student’s treatment.

Preparing for college is a big step, and families do not have to navigate it alone. Narcolepsy Network is here to support students, parents, and supporters through the transition.