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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
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Drowsiness
Lethargy
Coma with respiratory depression
Muscle twitching and seizures are sometimes observed
Recovery is usually rapid, with patients awakening within a few hours
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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