GHB
GHB (also known as gamma-hydroxybutyric acid), is a depressant used recreationally for its alcohol-like effects. Related drugs such as GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) and BDO (1,4-butanediol) are pro-drugs of GHB (meaning that the body's metabolism turns them into actual GHB). These drugs produce very similar effects to GHB, but have important differences in their dosing, time to onset of effects, and duration of action.
| Other names | gamma-hydroxybutyric acid
GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) BDO (1,4-butanediol) |
|---|---|
| Health risk | High |
| Addiction risk | Moderate |
| Legal risk | High |
| External links | PsychonautWiki Erowid |
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
- ↑ https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/opdlisting/oopd/detailedIndex.cfm?cfgridkey=530216.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ↑ 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.
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