title: Coma and respiratory depression following the ingestion of GHB and its precursors: three cases.
abstract: Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a product of the metabolism of both gamma butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD). Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an illegal agent that causes central nervous system depression. Chemical precursors of GHB, such as GBL and 1,4-BD, have been available for purchase from many health food stores and Internet websites for mood-enhancement, sleep-induction, and stimulation of growth hormone release. We report three cases of ingestion of products containing GHB and chemical precursors of GHB. All three patients had severe presentations followed by full recoveries. Some products containing GBL were withdrawn from the market after the FDA issued a warning regarding these products. Products containing 1,4-butanediol remain on the market today.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Diego Medical Center, 92103-8925, USA.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ingels
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rangan
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bellezzo
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003128:Coma / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D012978:Sodium Oxybate