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Our news & announcements offer up-to-date information important and relative for us to share with you. We update often, so check back frequently. Past news and announcements are available in this archive.
08/06/2010
GHB (updated)
A patient recently presented to my practice for treatment of multiple substance dependence. Although GHB was not the primary dependency, the significant clinical problems associated with GHB’s usage were impressive and, as such, precipitated this newsletter.
GHB, or gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, was initially an ingredient in nutritional supplements and a drug of investigation for treatment of narcolepsy. Soon after the drug’s inclusion in dietary supplements, toxic effects including death began to appear. Attempts to circumvent an FDA ban in 1990 by using analogs such as GBL were also associated with toxic events and were removed, or banned from sales. The drug has been associated with sexual assault, or “date rape” deaths. By Federal statute, GHB is now a Schedule I drug when used for illicit purposes, and a Schedule III drug for investigational use.
The clinical manifestations of overdose include low blood pressure, slow heart rate, low body temperature, and abnormally slow breathing (primary cause of death). When used in combination with other central nervous system depressant drugs, such as alcohol, the effects are exacerbated. GHB can produce seizures, or seizure-like brain activity. Withdrawal following sudden cessation of usage can occur within hours. Symptoms include hallucinations, agitation, disorientation, tremors, high body temperature, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure. Hospitalization for appropriate treatment of withdrawal is required.