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Gamma Hydroxybutyrate Overdose: Two Cases Illustrate the Unique Aspects of This Dangerous Recreational Drug

NCJ Number
162522
Journal
Journal of Emergency Nursing Volume: 21 Issue: 5 Dated: (1995) Pages: 374-376
Author(s)
T M Ross
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an illicitly marketed recreational drug with unique properties that is also an illegal drug in some States; two cases illustrate this drug's unique and dangerous properties.
Abstract
One case involved a 22-year-old professional dancer who arrived in the emergency department for the third time in 30 days. Friends reported that he had been depressed over personal problems and had been abusing GHB. Symptoms included an appearance of intoxication, gross ataxia, hypertensive, hostility, belligerence. The individual has subsequently been treated three times in the emergency department and has again required intubation on one visit. The second case involved a 28-year-old bodybuilder who was comatose with shallow respirations. When she regained consciousness she reported that she had taken 1.5 teaspoons of GHB to help her relax after an intensive bodybuilding workout and that she had taken it previously. GHB is known as Somatomax, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid X, and Scoop. It is falsely promoted for strength training, weight loss, and sleep inducement. It can cause drowsiness, dizziness, euphoria, delirium, headache, vomiting, hypothermia, coma, cardiac problems, respiratory depression, and abrupt loss of consciousness. Treatment of overdose is supportive. Perhaps the most frightening aspect of GHB is the false sense of security resulting from the relatively rapid and uneventful recovery. The public needs education about this drug's dangers. 6 references

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