Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content + Download Section PDF Listen ++ For further information, see CMDT Part 38-35: Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) Overdose + Key Features Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ 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 + Clinical Findings Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Drowsiness Lethargy Coma with respiratory depression Muscle twitching and seizures are sometimes observed Recovery is usually rapid, with patients awakening within a few hours + Diagnosis Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Urine gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) analysis can be obtained from National Medical Labs and some forensic laboratories + Treatment Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ 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