GHB
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (4-hydroxybutanoic acid, C4H8O3) is both a drug and a naturally occurring compound found in mammalian brain, where it could well function as a neurotransmitter. As a drug it is used most commonly in the form of a chemical salt (Na-GHB or K-GHB). It temporarily inhibits dopamine release and stimulates pituitary growth hormone (GH) release.
 Structural formula of gamma-hydroxybutyrate
GHB was first synthesized in the early 1960s by Dr. H. Laborit to use in studying the neurotransmitter GABA. It quickly found a wide range of uses due to its minimal side effects and controlled action, the only difficulty being the narrow safe dosage range.
Its use recreationally and as a date rape drug in the 1990s led to it being placed in the US on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act in March 2000. In the UK it was made a class C drug in June 2003.
At low doses GHB can cause a state of euphoria and/or drunkenness. This kind of use is particularly common at rave parties.
GBL, or gamma-butyrolactone, a chemical precursor of GHB, has effects very similar to GHB but is argued to be more toxic.
Referenced By
Acquaintance rape | Andrew Luster | Club drug | Controlled Substance Act | Controlled Substances Act | Date-rape drug | Date rape | Drug | Drug use | Drug war | GABA | Gamma-aminobutyric acid | Gamma aminobutyric acid | List of initialisms | Male rape | Psychoactive | Psychoactive drug | Psychoactive substance | Psychotropic | Psychotropic drug | Rape | Rapist | Recreational drug | Recreational drug use | Recreational drugs | TLAs from EAA to HZZ | War On Drugs | War against drugs | War on the drugs
|
