Abbreviation: GHB
Frequently referred to as the "date rape drug"
Central nervous system depressant
GABA-B agonist (as opposed to GABA-A agonists - alcohol, benzodiazepines, etc)
Abused for:
Body building or sleep enhancement
euphoric, sexual, stimulant, and relaxant effects
Surreptitious drugging to facilitate sexual assault
Also used therapeutically in the treatment of narcolepsy
Body building or sleep enhancement
euphoric, sexual, stimulant, and relaxant effects
Surreptitious drugging to facilitate sexual assault
Effects start in 15-20 minutes, peak in 30-60 minutes,
Lipid soluble, readily crosses the blood brain barrier
Elimination is dose-dependent; half-life of 20-50 minutes
The duration of GHB's clinical effects depends upon the dose, and ranges from 2.5-4 hours
Is a metabolite and precursor of GABA
Interacts with GHB-specific receptors and also acts as a direct agonist of GABA-B receptors
Affects multiple neurotransmitter systems, including those of opioids, dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, and acetylcholine<unk>  butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4 butanediol (BD) are GHB analogs that are rapidly metabolized to GHB after ingestion, with the same toxic and recreational effects
Gamma hydroxybutyrate withdrawal
Toxic alcohols
Barbiturate withdrawal
Ethanol
Alcohol withdrawal
Ethylene glycol
Lithium toxicity
Methanol