GHB(Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that occurs naturally in the body in small amounts but is primarily known as an illicit recreational drug and a “date rape” drug. Its sodium salt, sodium oxybate (brand name Xyrem®), is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to treat narcolepsy.
Key Facts
- Form: GHB is typically found as a clear, colorless, and odorless liquid with a slightly salty or bitter taste, which allows it to be mixed into beverages undetected. It can also come in powder or crystal form.
- Street Names: Common street names include “G,” “Liquid Ecstasy,” “Liquid X,” “Georgia Home Boy,” and “Grievous Bodily Harm” (GBH).
- Legal Status: In the United States, illicit GHB is a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. The FDA-approved pharmaceutical form, sodium oxybate, is a Schedule III controlled substance due to its accepted medical use under strict control.
- Precursors: Illegally manufactured GHB often uses precursors like gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD), which are industrial solvents that the body converts into GHB after ingestion. These analogs are sometimes legally available as “cleaners” or other industrial products, but their ingestion is unsafe.
Effects and Dangers
GHB’s effects are dose-dependent and can start within 15 to 30 minutes, lasting for 3 to 6 hours. The margin between a dose that produces desired effects and one that causes overdose is very narrow, making it highly dangerous.
| Effect Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Desired Effects (low doses) | Euphoria, relaxation, increased sociability and libido, and decreased anxiety. |
| Adverse Effects (higher doses/overdose) | Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, visual disturbances, slowed heart rate and breathing, seizures, unconsciousness, coma, and death. |
| Long-Term Effects & Withdrawal | Regular use can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Sudden cessation can cause severe, life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, paranoia, and high blood pressure. |
The most significant danger comes from mixing GHB with other central nervous system depressants, particularly alcohol, which greatly increases the risk of respiratory arrest and death.
Medical Emergencies and Treatment
- Overdose: An overdose is a medical emergency. There is no specific antidote for GHB toxicity; treatment focuses on supportive care, especially maintaining an open airway and supporting breathing, which may require mechanical ventilation.
- Date Rape Drug: GHB is notorious for its use in drug-facilitated sexual assault because it causes rapid sedation, memory impairment (amnesia), and can be slipped into a drink without a victim noticing.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, please seek professional help. You can find information and support by talking to a healthcare provider or contacting a local alcohol and other drug service.
What do GHB receptors do?
The GHB receptor is a specific G-protein-linked receptor found in the central nervous system that binds to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in the brain, influencing dopamine release and playing a role in addiction and tolerance development.
Is GHB anti-inflammatory?
Interestingly, GHB unfolds immunomodulating and neuroprotective properties. In humans, it induces a delayed reduction of T-helper and natural-killer cell levels: both are activators of pro-inflammatory processes, by releasing cytokines such as IFN- γ and TNF-α (Pichini et al., 2010).
What is hydroxybutyric acid?
γ-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a naturally occurring γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolite that has been proposed as a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator that acts via its own receptor (GHBR).
