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What is GHB? GHB is an analog and catabolic metabolite of the neurotransmitter gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). It is most commonly known as gamma hydroxybutyric acid, but other technical names include sodium oxybate, CAS 502-85-2 (sodium salt), Wy-3478 (sodium salt), and NSC-84223 (sodium salt). It is an IND (Investigational New Drug-still undergoing testing to determine its actions and/or dangers). GHB powerfully and rapidly induces sleep, and depresses the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in decreased pulse and breathing rates, lowered blood pressure, and sedation.

Where does the GHB on the street come from? It is either stolen from one of the approved GHB researchers or synthesized in an illegal laboratory.

What are some of the street names for GHB? "G-riffic", "Liquid X", Scoop, Somatomax, Grievious Bodily Harm

What does it look like? GHB is most commonly encountered as a white powder or as a colorless, tasteless, odorless liquid.

How is it used on the street? GHB is used for a number of difference purposes. First, it may be taken in order to achieve an alcohol-like or downer type of intoxication. In some cases, it is given to an unsuspecting person without their knowledge, usually through the adulteration of liquid beverages. This practice has been linked to cases of date rape in cases where the victim is assaulted sexually after being rendered unconscious and/or immobilized by the drug. Strangely enough, GHB has also been used as an alternative to anabolic steroids among body-builders and athletes who either do not want to take steroids or are concerned that a urine test might disclose their use of steroids. (click here for additional information on street use)

What are the effects of GHB? Because GHB is an investigational new drug, little is known about its effects at difference dosages, or through various methods of administration. Users report that 15 to 60 minutes after oral admnistration of GHB, they developed symptoms such as central nervous system depression, sedation, drowziness, vomiting, dizziness, tremor, seizure-like movements, and unconciousness. Most of those who have sought medical attention after taking GHB have recovered after a period of 2 to 96 hours. At least 80 GHB-related hospitalizations have occurred within the last two years. To date, however, no deaths have been reported. The sedating effects of GHB probably make it an extremely dangerous drug to mix with alcohol. In 1995, over 172,000 people sought help through hospital emergency departments for reactions related to mixing alcohol with other drugs, particularly sedative agents.

What are the dangers of GHB? First and foremost street drugs are seldom pure, and may either contain substances that the buyer is unaware of, or be missynthesized. Thus, virtually any reaction (or the lack of any reaction) may occur as the result of taking GHB. In addition, because GHB is an investigational new drug, the effects of chronic and/or long-term use are still unknown. Because of its sedating qualities, GHB can produce respiratory or cardiac arrest leading to death.

A chemical which is similar in structure to another known chemical. Analogs are often called chemical cousins.

A reduction in such physical processes as breathing, pulse, blood pressure, and consciousness.

A naturally-occurring chemical which works within the brain and nervous system to carry messages to and from the outside world, communicate with other parts of the brain or nervous system, regulate bodily processes such as breathing, and affect emotions. Many abused substances are similar in chemical structure to neurotransmitters. Some common neurotrnsmitters include dopamine, norepinepherine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and the endorphins or enkephelins.






	What's New at LI LI Staff Research Projects Training Services LI Bookstore Drug Use Trends Research Tools Research Presentations & Posters Staff Publications Illinois Addiction Studies Archive Links			CHS Home > Services > Research & Training > DRUG USE TRENDS GHB Fact Sheet What is GHB? GHB is an analog and catabolic metabolite of the neurotransmitter gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). It is most commonly known as gamma hydroxybutyric acid, but other technical names include sodium oxybate, CAS 502-85-2 (sodium salt), Wy-3478 (sodium salt), and NSC-84223 (sodium salt). It is an IND (Investigational New Drug-still undergoing testing to determine its actions and/or dangers). GHB powerfully and rapidly induces sleep, and depresses the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in decreased pulse and breathing rates, lowered blood pressure, and sedation. Where does the GHB on the street come from? It is either stolen from one of the approved GHB researchers or synthesized in an illegal laboratory. What are some of the street names for GHB? "G-riffic", "Liquid X", Scoop, Somatomax, Grievious Bodily Harm What does it look like? GHB is most commonly encountered as a white powder or as a colorless, tasteless, odorless liquid. How is it used on the street? GHB is used for a number of difference purposes. First, it may be taken in order to achieve an alcohol-like or downer type of intoxication. In some cases, it is given to an unsuspecting person without their knowledge, usually through the adulteration of liquid beverages. This practice has been linked to cases of date rape in cases where the victim is assaulted sexually after being rendered unconscious and/or immobilized by the drug. Strangely enough, GHB has also been used as an alternative to anabolic steroids among body-builders and athletes who either do not want to take steroids or are concerned that a urine test might disclose their use of steroids. (click here for additional information on street use) What are the effects of GHB? Because GHB is an investigational new drug, little is known about its effects at difference dosages, or through various methods of administration. Users report that 15 to 60 minutes after oral admnistration of GHB, they developed symptoms such as central nervous system depression, sedation, drowziness, vomiting, dizziness, tremor, seizure-like movements, and unconciousness. Most of those who have sought medical attention after taking GHB have recovered after a period of 2 to 96 hours. At least 80 GHB-related hospitalizations have occurred within the last two years. To date, however, no deaths have been reported. The sedating effects of GHB probably make it an extremely dangerous drug to mix with alcohol. In 1995, over 172,000 people sought help through hospital emergency departments for reactions related to mixing alcohol with other drugs, particularly sedative agents. What are the dangers of GHB? First and foremost street drugs are seldom pure, and may either contain substances that the buyer is unaware of, or be missynthesized. Thus, virtually any reaction (or the lack of any reaction) may occur as the result of taking GHB. In addition, because GHB is an investigational new drug, the effects of chronic and/or long-term use are still unknown. Because of its sedating qualities, GHB can produce respiratory or cardiac arrest leading to death. GLOSSARY *Analog/Analogue* A chemical which is similar in structure to another known chemical. Analogs are often called chemical cousins. *Cardiac arrest* Cessation of heart function. *Catabolic metabolite* A chemical which results from the catabolism (breakdown) of a substance within the body. *Central nervous system* The brain and spinal cord. *Central nervous system depression* A reduction in such physical processes as breathing, pulse, blood pressure, and consciousness. *Missynthesis* The incorrect or incomplete production or manufacture of a chemical substance. *Neurotransmitter* A naturally-occurring chemical which works within the brain and nervous system to carry messages to and from the outside world, communicate with other parts of the brain or nervous system, regulate bodily processes such as breathing, and affect emotions. Many abused substances are similar in chemical structure to neurotransmitters. Some common neurotrnsmitters include dopamine, norepinepherine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and the endorphins or enkephelins. *Respiratory arrest* Cessation of breathing *Tremor* A quivering or involuntary movement of a part or parts of the body.