title: Effects of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in opioid-dependent patients.
abstract: Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a GABA metabolite used clinically for sleep induction. The abuse liability of GHB is controversial. As part of a study of the effect of GHB pretreatment on naloxone-precipitated opiate withdrawal, eight opioid-stabilized subjects received a balanced, randomized, double-blind sequence of oral placebo, GHB 15 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg. GHB had no consistent physiological effects. After GHB and prior to naloxone, subjects rated "sluggish," "spaced," "carefree," and "good-mood" higher after GHB 30 mg/kg than after placebo. Subjects identified the 30 mg/kg dose as most similar to placebo (n = 3), benzodiazepine (n = 2), opiate (n = 2), and alcohol (n = 1).
authors.affiliation: Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT, USA.
authors.forename: M I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Rosen
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Pearsall
authors.forename: S W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Woods
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Kosten
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009270:Naloxone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000187:drug effects; D011292:Premedication; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009270:Naloxone; D012978:Sodium Oxybate