Abstract |
Misuse of gamma hydroxybutrate (GHB) and gamma butyrolactone (GBL) has increased greatly since the early 1990s, being implicated in a rising number of deaths. This paper reviews knowledge on GHB and derivatives, and explores the largest series of deaths associated with their non-medical use. Descriptive analyses of cases associated with GHB/GBL and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) use extracted from the UK's National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths database. From 1995 to September 2013, 159 GHB/GBL-associated fatalities were reported. Typical victims: White (92%); young (mean age 32 years); male (82%); with a drug misuse history (70%). Most deaths (79%) were accidental or related to drug use, the remainder (potential) suicides. GHB/GBL alone was implicated in 37%; alcohol 14%; other drugs 28%; other drugs and alcohol 15%. Its endogenous nature and rapid elimination limit toxicological detection. Post-mortem blood levels: mean 482 (range 0-6500; SD 758)mg/L. Results suggest significant caution is needed when ingesting GHB/GBL, particularly with alcohol, benzodiazepines, opiates, stimulants, and ketamine. More awareness is needed about risks associated with consumption.
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Authors | John M Corkery, Barbara Loi, Hugh Claridge, Christine Goodair, Ornella Corazza, Simon Elliott, Fabrizio Schifano |
Journal | Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews
(Neurosci Biobehav Rev)
Vol. 53
Pg. 52-78
(Jun 2015)
ISSN: 1873-7528 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 25843781
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
- Butylene Glycols
- Sodium Oxybate
- 1,4-butanediol
- 4-Butyrolactone
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Topics |
- 4-Butyrolactone
(adverse effects, metabolism, pharmacokinetics)
- Butylene Glycols
(adverse effects, metabolism, pharmacokinetics)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Sodium Oxybate
(adverse effects, metabolism, pharmacology)
- Substance-Related Disorders
(epidemiology, mortality)
- United Kingdom
(epidemiology)
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