GHB

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (4-hydroxybutanoic acid, C₄H₈O₃) is both a drug and a naturally occurring compound found in the mammalian brain, where it could well function as a neurotransmitter. As a drug it is used most commonly in the form of a chemical salt (Na-GHB or K-GHB). It temporarily inhibits dopamine release and stimulates pituitary growth hormone (GH) release.

Uses

Medical

It has been used as a general anesthetic and as a hypnotic in the treatment of insomnia, particularly in the treatment of narcolepsy under the trade name Xyrem. In addition, it is used by body-builders for its boost to GH release, in the treatment for alcoholism and to aid childbirth.

Recreational use

Recreationally, GHB is used as an intoxicant (under names such as GHB, G, Liquid X, Liquid E, GBH, Gamma-oh, Georgia Home Boy, Blue Verve, Grievous Bodily Harm).

Excessive doses can lead to unconsciousness. The Australian practice of putting ice cubes into the rectum of GHB users who have fallen unconscious has no medical benefits.

Its use recreationally and as a date rape drug in the 1990s led to it being placed in the US on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act in March, 2000. In the UK it was made a class C drug in June 2003.

At low doses GHB can cause a state of euphoria and/or drunkenness. This kind of use is particularly common at rave parties.

GBL, or gamma-butyrolactone, a chemical precursor of GHB, has effects very similar to GHB but is argued to be more toxic.

1,4-Butanediol is legal, sold on the internet, and has almost indentical effects to GHB, supposedly because it breaks down into GHB when digested.

Mode of Action

In the brain two receptors have been identified that seem to mediate that action of GHB. One is the GHB receptor which might be responsible for the physiological and some of the pharmacological effects of GHB, and the second receptor is the GABA_B which might be responsible, in part, for some of the pharmacological actions of GHB.

History

GHB was first synthesized in the early 1960s by Dr. Henri Laborit to use in studying the neurotransmitter GABA. It quickly found a wide range of uses due to its minimal side effects and controlled action, the only difficulty being the narrow safe dosage range. It should not be taken with alcohol.

Typically GHB has been synthesized from GBL (gamma-butrylactone) by adding sodium hydroxide (lye) in ethanol or water. As of late GBL has become controlled and more circtuitous routes have to be taken such as those starting with THF (tetrahydrofuranone).

See also

• Rohypnol