title: [Variety of symptoms after drug use of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB)].
abstract: Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB, "liquid ecstasy") and its legal prodrugs gamma-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol are gaining importance as recreational drugs in Germany. Because of the wide availability of GHB and its prodrugs physicians are increasingly being confronted with cases of intoxication. The effect of GHB intoxication is comparable with those of alcohol and/or benzodiazepines. Likewise, symptoms of withdrawal may occur. In this review, we summarise current data regarding the history, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the drug as well as the relevant symptoms of intoxication or withdrawal as they pertain to neurology and psychiatry.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Uniklinik Köln, Kerpener Strasse 62, Köln. norbert.galldiks@uk-koeln.de
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Galldiks
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kadow
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bechdolf
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Fink
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Klosterkötter
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kuhn
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000506:poisoning*; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000506:poisoning*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000523:psychology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs; D012978:Sodium Oxybate