Behavioral effects of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in humans.
Despite the therapeutic use and abuse potential of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB or Xyrem), relatively few studies have examined the behavioral effects of GHB in humans under controlled laboratory conditions. Thus, this eight-session study examined in 10 non-substance-abusing volunteers the behavioral effects of GHB at each of the following doses: 0, 0.32, 0.56, 0.75, 1.0, 1.8, 2.4, 3.2 g/70 kg, orally. Order of dose testing was random, except that the first two participants received active doses in ascending order and 2.4 g/70 kg was always tested before 3.2 g/70 kg. Before drug administration and at several postdrug time points, self-report, observer report, physiological, and psychomotor performance measures were obtained. Analyses based on area under the curve showed that GHB produced dose-related increases in subjective ratings of sedative-like, stimulant-like, positive mood, and dissociative effects, but no changes in psychomotor performance measures or blood pressure. Analyses based on peak effects generally showed dose-related increases in ratings indicating sedative-like, dissociative, and drug liking, although some measures showed U-shaped dose-related changes. These initial findings suggest that GHB at doses of 0.32-3.2 g/70 kg produces dissociative, sedating and some stimulant-like effects in humans without a history of sedative abuse.
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences,University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA. olivetoalison@uams.edu
Alison
A
Oliveto
William Brooks
WB
Gentry
Rhonda
R
Pruzinsky
Kishorchandra
K
Gonsai
Thomas R
TR
Kosten
Bridget
B
Martell
James
J
Poling
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019540:Area Under Curve; D001519:Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D003221:Confusion / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000523:psychology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D012978:Sodium Oxybate