GHB

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γ-Hydroxybutyric acid, also known as gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, GHB, or 4-hydroxybutanoic acid, is a depressant used recreationally for its alcohol-like effects.

GHB
Other names γ-Hydroxybutyric acid, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, GHB, 4-hydroxybutanoic acid
Health risk High
Addiction risk Moderate
Legal risk
External links

Background

Medical uses

In the United States, GHB is a schedule I controlled substance (defined as having no current accepted medical use). However, GHB does have FDA approval as an orphan drug to treat narcolepsy with a specific formulation which is classified as schedule III.[1]

GHB was previously used as a general anesthetic, but was abandoned due to a high incidence of myoclonic seizures and vomiting.[2] These side effects correlate closely to common signs of GHB overdose when used recreationally.

Mechanism of action

Appeal

Dosing

Risks

Drug interactions

Addiction

Risk mitigation

Known incidents

Medical case reports

RACKWiki incident reports

References

  1. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/opdlisting/oopd/detailedIndex.cfm?cfgridkey=530216. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  2. Kam, P. C.; Yoong, F. F. (1998-12). "Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid: an emerging recreational drug". Anaesthesia. 53 (12): 1195–1198. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2044.1998.00603.x. ISSN 0003-2409. PMID 10193223. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)