Other Definitions
gamma hydroxybutyrate (dict)
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Gamma-hydroxybutyrateGamma-hydroxybutyrate (4-hydroxybutanoic acid, C4H8O3) is both a drug and a naturally occurring compound found in the mammalian brain, where it might function as a neurotransmitter. As a drug it is used most commonly in the form of a chemical salt (Na-GHB or K-GHB). The sodium salt is commercially known as sodium oxybate. It temporarily inhibits dopamine release in the brain and is said to stimulate pituitary growth hormone (GH) release, although this effect is mainly believed to be caused by a prolonged deep sleep that occurs when high doses of GHB are consumed. Uses - GHB is known to be used as a drug of abuse, commonly referred to as "date rape drug"; once mixed with a liquid, it is impossible to tell if the liquid contains GHB or not, as it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless.
Medical It has been used as a general anesthetic and as a hypnotic in the treatment of insomnia. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration permits the use of GHB under the trade name Xyrem to reduce the number of cataplexy attacks in patients with narcolepsy. In addition, it is used by body-builders for its supposed boost to GH release; in the treatment for alcoholism; and to aid childbirth. Recreational use Recreationally, GHB is used as an intoxicant (under names such as GHB, G, Liquid X, Liquid E, GBH, Gamma-oh, Georgia Home Boy, Blue Verve, Grievous Bodily Harm, although the last 5 names are fairly uncommon in 'the drug scene' today). Excessive doses can lead to unconsciousness. The Australian practice of putting ice cubes into the rectum of GHB users who have fallen unconscious has no medical benefits http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,7361585%5E1702,00.html. Its use recreationally and purported use as a date rape drug in the 1990s led to it being placed in the US on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act in March, 2000. On March 20, 2001, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs placed GHB in Schedule IV of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substanceshttp://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/factsht/gamma/. In the UK it was made a class C drug in June 2003. At low doses GHB can cause a state of euphoria and/or drunkenness. This kind of use is particularly common at rave parties. Along with the desired effects GHB may induce nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, visual disturbances, respiratory distress, amnesia, unconsciousness, and seizures. These effects last for 3-6 hours. More serious effects can include coma and death. GBL, or gamma-butyrolactone, a chemical precursor of GHB, has effects very similar to GHB but might be more toxic. 1,4-Butanediol is legal, sold on the internet, and has almost identical effects to GHB, supposedly because it breaks down into GHB when ingested. Some reports indicate that it is also toxic, as opposed to GHB salt. Mode of Action In the brain two receptors have been identified that seem to mediate the action of GHB. One is the GHB receptor which might be responsible for the physiological and some of the pharmacological effects of GHB, and the second receptor is the GABAB which might be responsible, in part, for some of the pharmacological actions of GHB. Both types of receptor are linked to intracellular G proteins which are involved in signal transduction. Addiction Occaisional Usage GHB is not physically addictive at first, but there may be a psychological addiction to the drug. Heavy Usage After taking a dose of GHB more than every 4 hours for multiple consecutive days, dopamine builds up in the brain. Stopping GHB allows dopamine to be flushed from the brain, which may cause withdrawal effects such as insomnia, anxiety, tremors, sweating, edginess, chest pain and tightness, muscle and bone aches, sensitivity to external stimuli (sound, light, touch), dysphoria, and mental dullness. These side effects will subside after 2-21 days depending on usage. It is possible to minimize these side effects by tapering off the drug instead of quitting completely. History GHB was first synthesized in the early 1960s by Dr. Henri Laborit to use in studying the neurotransmitter GABA. It quickly found a wide range of uses due to its minimal side effects and controlled action, the only difficulties being the narrow safe dosage range and the dangers presented by its combination with alcohol and other CNS depressents. Typically GHB has been synthesized from GBL (gamma-butrylactone) by adding sodium hydroxide (lye) in ethanol or water. As of late, GBL has become controlled and more circtuitous routes have to be taken such as those starting with THF (tetrahydrofuran). References - GHB. www.streetdrugs.com. 02 2005. www.streetdrugs.com. 27 Feb. 2005 .
- Erowid GHB Vault : Addiction. The Vaults of Erowid. Jul. 2001. Erowid. 27 Feb. 2005 .
- InfoFacts - Rohypnol and GHB. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Jun. 2004. National Institute on Drug Abuse. 27 Feb. 2005 .
- Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) Fact Sheet, Nov. 2002.
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