Gamma hydroxybutyrate

Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), also known as 4-hydroxybutanoic acid, is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter and a psychoactive drug. It is a precursor to GABA, glutamate, and glycine in certain brain areas. GHB has been used in a medical setting as a general anesthetic, to treat conditions such as insomnia, clinical depression, narcolepsy, and alcoholism, and to improve athletic performance.

Chemistry

GHB is a naturally occurring substance found in the human central nervous system as well as in wine, beef, small citrus fruits, and in small amounts in some beers and wines. It is also found in the soft tissues of small citrus fruits and in the wine of these fruits.

Medical uses

GHB has been used for its anesthetic properties in the medical field, particularly in the treatment of insomnia, clinical depression, narcolepsy, and alcoholism. It has also been used to improve athletic performance.

Side effects

The side effects of GHB can include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, agitation, visual disturbances, depressed breathing, amnesia, unconsciousness, and death. The effects of GHB can be increased when combined with other drugs, such as alcohol.

Legal status

In many countries, including the United States and Australia, GHB is regulated as a controlled substance. It is illegal to manufacture, sell, or possess GHB without a valid medical or research license.

See also

• GABA
• Glutamate
• Glycine
• Psychoactive drug
• Controlled substance

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