title: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB): a newer drug of abuse.
abstract: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an illicitly marketed substance that has recently gained popularity among body builders and party attendees as a drug of abuse. GHB is a depressant that acts on the central nervous system. It is purported as a strength enhancer, euphoriant and aphrodisiac and is one of several agents reported as being used as a "date rape" drug. Because of its central nervous system depressant effects, GHB can be lethal when combined with alcohol or other depressants. Currently, there is no accepted medical use for GHB, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has prohibited its manufacture and sale. Clinicians should be familiar with the typical clinical presentation of GHB and its adverse effects. In addition, patients should be warned of its potential toxicity and be cautioned to avoid the use of GHB.
authors.affiliation: Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center, California, USA. toconnel@mednet.ucla.edu
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: O'Connell
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kaye
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Plosay
mesh_terms: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003128:Coma / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003376:Counseling; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000097:blood; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000652:urine; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D013664:Teaching Materials
chemical_list: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D009294:Narcotics; D012978:Sodium Oxybate