title: Acute toxicity and withdrawal syndromes related to γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its analogues γ-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD).
abstract: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) has been used as a recreational drug since the 1990s and over the last few years there has been increasing use of its analogues gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and to a lesser extent 1,4-butanediol (1,4BD). This review will summarize the literature on the pharmacology of these compounds; the patterns and management of acute toxicity associated with their use; and the clinical patterns of presentation and management of chronic dependency associated with GHB and its analogues.
authors.affiliation: Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. David.Wood@gstt.nhs.uk
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.forename: Alan D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Brailsford
authors.forename: Paul I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Dargan
mesh_terms: D015107:4-Butyrolactone / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D002072:Butylene Glycols / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity*; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D002072:Butylene Glycols; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D012978:Sodium Oxybate; C039681:1,4-butanediol; D015107:4-Butyrolactone