GHB
WHAT IS GHB?
Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is another name for
the generic drug sodium oxybate. Xyrem (which is sodium
oxybate) is the trade name of the Food and Drug Administra-
tion (FDA)-approved prescription medication.
Analogues that are often substituted for GHB include
GBL (gamma butyrolactone) and 1,4 BD (also called
just “BD”), which is 1,4-butanediol. These analogues are
available legally as industrial solvents used to produce
polyurethane, pesticides, elastic fibers, pharmaceuticals,
coatings on metal or plastic, and other products. They are
also sold illicitly as supplements for bodybuilding, fat
loss, reversal of baldness, improved eyesight, and to
combat aging, depression, drug addiction, and insomnia.
GBL and BD are sold as “fish tank cleaner,” “ink stain
remover,” “ink cartridge cleaner,” and “nail enamel
remover” for approximately $100 per bottle — much more
expensive than comparable products. Attempts to identify
the abuse of GHB analogues are hampered by the fact that Vials containing GHB
routine toxicological screens do not detect the presence of
these analogues. What does it look like?
GHB is usually sold as a liquid or as a white powder that is
WHAT IS ITS ORIGIN? dissolved in a liquid, such as water, juice, or alcohol. GHB
GHB is produced illegally in both domestic and foreign dissolved in liquid has been packaged in small vials or small
clandestine laboratories. The major source of GHB on the water bottles. In liquid form, GHB is clear and colorless and
street is through clandestine synthesis by local operators. slightly salty in taste.
At bars or “rave” parties, GHB is typically sold in liquid
form by the capful or “swig” for $5 to $25 per cap. Xyrem How is it abused?
has the potential for diversion and abuse like any other GHB and its analogues are abused for their euphoric and
pharmaceutical containing a controlled substance. calming effects and because some people believe they build
muscles and cause weight loss.
GHB has been encountered in nearly every region of
the country. GHB and its analogues are also misused for their ability to
increase libido, suggestibility, passivity, and to cause amnesia
(no memory of events while under the influence of the
What are common street names?
substance) — traits that make users vulnerable to sexual
Common street names include:
assault and other criminal acts.
t Easy Lay, G, Georgia Home Boy, GHB, Goop, Grievous
Bodily Harm, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, and Scoop
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GHB abuse became popular among teens and young adults at Currently, there is no antidote available for GHB intoxication.
dance clubs and “raves” in the 1990s and gained notoriety as GHB analogues are known to produce side effects such as:
a date rape drug. GHB is taken alone or in combination with t Topical irritation to the skin and eyes, nausea, vomiting,
other drugs, such as alcohol (primarily), other depressants, incontinence, loss of consciousness, seizures, liver dam-
stimulants, hallucinogens, and marijuana. age, kidney failure, respiratory depression, and death
The average dose ranges from 1 to 5 grams (depending on the
What are its overdose effects?
purity of the compound, this can be 1-2 teaspoons mixed in a
GHB overdose can cause death.
beverage). However, the concentrations of these “home-brews”
have varied so much that users are usually unaware of the actual
Which drugs cause similar effects?
dose they are drinking.
GHB analogues are often abused in place of GHB. Both GBL
and BD metabolize to GHB when taken and produce effects
What is its effect on the mind?
similar to GHB.
GHB occurs naturally in the central nervous system in very small
CNS depressants such as barbiturates and methaqualone also
amounts. Use of GHB produces Central Nervous System (CNS)
produce effects similar to GHB.
depressant effects including:
t Euphoria, drowsiness, decreased anxiety, confusion, and What is its legal status in the United States?
memory impairment GHB is a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning that it has
GHB can also produce both visual hallucinations and — a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in
paradoxically — excited and aggressive behavior. GHB treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for
greatly increases the CNS depressant effects of alcohol and use under medical supervision. FDA-approved GHB products are
other depressants. Schedule III substances under the Controlled Substances Act. In
addition, GBL is a List I chemical.
What is its effect on the body? It was placed on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act
GHB takes effect in 15 to 30 minutes, and the effects last 3 to 6 in March 2000. However, when sold as FDA-approved GHB
hours. Low doses of GHB produce nausea. products (such as Xyrem), it is considered Schedule III, one of
At high doses, GHB overdose can result in: several drugs that are listed in multiple schedules.
t Unconsciousness, seizures, slowed heart rate, greatly slowed
breathing, lower body temperature, vomiting, nausea,
coma, and death
Regular use of GHB can lead to addiction and withdrawal
that includes:
t Insomnia, anxiety, tremors, increased heart rate and blood
pressure, and occasional psychotic thoughts
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