Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate Overdose

A popular drug of abuse and for sexual assault

Consumed as a liquid

Other related chemicals with similar effects include butanediol and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL)

A prolonged withdrawal syndrome has been described in some heavy chronic users

Sodium oxybate, the sodium salt of gamma hydroxybutyrate, is legitimately used in treatment of narcolepsy

Drowsiness

Lethargy

Coma with respiratory depression

Muscle twitching and seizures are sometimes observed

Recovery is usually rapid, with patients awakening within a few hours

Urine gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) analysis can be obtained from National Medical Labs and some forensic laboratories

Activated charcoal if co-ingestion suspected

• Administer 60–100 g orally or via gastric tube, mixed in aqueous slurry for recent ingestions

• Do not use for comatose patients unless it can be given by gastric tube and the airway is first protected by a cuffed endotracheal tube

There is no specific treatment; most patients recover rapidly with supportive care

GHB withdrawal syndrome may require very large doses of benzodiazepines

Baclofen has also been used