[GHB withdrawal delirium].

Abstract

A 35-year-old man had been using high doses of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) for many years. He had been trying to cut down on use of this drug for 2 months. He was admitted to the hospital suffering from a withdrawal delirium accompanied by hallucinations and agitation. Use of GHB is increasing in the Netherlands. Along with serious intoxication and dependency, the possibility of withdrawal symptoms should also be taken into consideration. Administration of high doses of benzodiazepines is an effective treatment for these withdrawal symptoms.

• Authors: Petra J E Stijnenbosch, Cassandra Zuketto, Pieter J Beijaert, Anneliek Maat
• Journal: Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde (Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd) Vol. 154 Pg. A1086 ( 2010) ISSN: 1876-8784 [Electronic] Netherlands
• Vernacular Title: Onthoudingsdelier na het gebruik van GHB.
• PMID: 20132572 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Benzodiazepines
• Sodium Oxybate

Topics

• Adult
• Benzodiazepines (therapeutic use)
• Delirium (drug therapy, etiology)
• Hallucinations (drug therapy, etiology)
• Humans
• Male
• Psychoses, Substance-Induced (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Sodium Oxybate (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Substance Withdrawal Syndrome (diagnosis, drug therapy)