The present protocol proposes study of the recently approved compound sodium oxybate (Xyrem),
a gamma-aminobutyric acid type b (GABAB) and a g-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) receptor agonist,
for the study of persistent symptoms of schizophrenia. Sodium oxybate is a central nervous
system depressant currently approved for treatment of narcolepsy associated with cataplexy
and excessive daytime sleepiness. In addition to evaluating effects on sodium oxybate on
persistent symptoms and neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia, the study will test the
hypothesis that this medication may be particularly effective in combating Insomnia Related
to Schizophrenia, and in normalizing symptomatic and polysomnographic manifestations of
sleep-related brain dysfunction in schizophrenia.