GHB
(gamma-hydroxybutyric acid)
| Synonyms | The most common synonyms are:
|
|---|---|
| Classification | Central nervous system depressant:
|
| Visual description |
|
| Mechanism of action |
|
| Routes of administration |
|
Effects sought out by the user
- Euphoria (heightened sense of well-being)
- Reduced inhibition
- Relaxation
Common toxic effects
- Amnesia
- Changes in physical and mental functions
- Confusion
- Decreased muscle strength
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Heightened sensitivity to touch
- Hypnotic state
- Hypothermia (lowered body temperature)
- Increased sex drive
- Lack of coordination
- Memory loss
- Muscular spasms
- Nausea
- Sleepiness
- Slurred speech
- Tremors
- Urinary incontinence
- Vertigo
- Vomiting
Overdose effects
- Bradycardia (decreased heart rate)
- Coma
- Convulsions
- Death
- Hallucinations
- Hypotension (drop in blood pressure)
- Loss of consciousness
- Respiratory depression
Effects associated with chronic use
- Chronic vision problems
- Depression
- Impaired memory and judgement
- Mood swings
- Slurred speech
Tolerance (need to increase the dose to feel the same effect)
Yes
Addiction
Yes, physical.
Withdrawal
Yes, if discontinuation is abrupt and the user has taken repeated high doses (anxiety, insomnia, tremors, muscular cramps, trouble sleeping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Although rare, the most severe cases of abrupt GHB discontinuation result in severe agitation, paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, tachycardia (increased heart rate) and hypertension.
| Route of administration | Onset of action | Peak | Duration of action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 5 to 30 minutes | 20 to 45 minutes | 45 minutes to 8 hours (usually 1 to 3 hours) |
Screening
- Blood: GHB is no longer detectable in the blood after 8 hours.
- Urine: GHB is no longer detectable in urine after 12 hours.
Intoxication management
- No antidote available. Certain medications can, however, neutralize some of its effects.
- Treatment is mainly symptomatic.
Other useful information
- GHB is used as a party drug. However, it is also used to commit crimes, hence its nickname "date rape drug". Its nickname is the result of its properties which include amnesia, state similar to drunkenness and very short duration of action. GHB does not have any aphrodisiac properties as such, but can cause a loss of sexual inhibition.
Many different street drugs are sold under the same name. Furthermore, nothing guarantees the quantity, purity or even the content of a street drug in spite of the fact that it may, in some cases, look like medication.
If you need help or want to learn more:
[UNIPRIX] © Copyright Vigilance Santé
The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.