Skip to main content

GHB

  • Living reference work entry
  • First Online:
Handbuch Psychoaktive Substanzen

Part of the book series: Springer Reference Psychologie ((SRP))

  • 728 Accesses

Zusammenfassung

γ-Hydroxy-Buttersäure (GHB) ist eine natürlich vorkommende Substanz, die sich im Gewebe von Säugetieren und in einigen Früchten findet. Seit den 1960er-Jahren wird GHB präklinisch und klinisch in der Geburtshilfe, Anästhesie sowie der Sucht- und Schlafmedizin angewendet. In pharmakologischer Dosierung wirkt GHB hemmend auf das zentrale Nervensystem.

Missbräuchlicher Konsum findet vorwiegend in den USA, Europa und Australien Verbreitung und steht in Verbindung mit rauschartigen, luststeigernden, euphorisierenden und anabolen Eigenschaften. Mit regelmäßigem Konsum zeigen sich Toleranz- und Abhängigkeitsentwicklung. Der Gebrauch von GHB im Zusammenhang mit Sexual-Delikten wurde wiederholt beschrieben.

Die individuell stark schwankende Dosis-Wirkungs-Beziehung birgt ein hohes Risiko für Intoxikationen mit schweren Nebenwirkungen. Insbesondere der häufig vorkommende Mischkonsum führt wiederholt zu letalen Komplikationen.

Besonderes Missbrauchs- und Gesundheitsgefährdungs-Potenzial besitzen die frei erhältlichen Vorläufersubstanzen γ-Butyrolacton (GBL) und 1,4-Butandiol (1,4-BD), die in der Industrie Anwendung finden.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Institutional subscriptions

Literatur

  • Absalom, N., Eghorn, L. F., Villumsen, I. S., Karim, N., Bay, T., Olsen, J. V., … & Wellendorph, P. (2012). alpha4betadelta GABA(A) receptors are high-affinity targets for gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB). Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences of the USA, 109(33), 13404–13409. doi:10.1073/pnas.1204376109.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andriamampandry, C., Taleb, O., Kemmel, V., Humbert, J. P., Aunis, D., & Maitre, M. (2007). Cloning and functional characterization of a gamma-hydroxybutyrate receptor identified in the human brain. FASEB Journal, 21(3), 885–895. doi:10.1096/fj.06-6509com.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bessman, S. P., & Fishbein, W. N. (1963). Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, a normal brain metabolite. Nature, 200, 1207–1208.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bettler, B., Kaupmann, K., Mosbacher, J., & Gassmann, M. (2004). Molecular structure and physiological functions of GABA(B) receptors. Physiological Reviews, 84(3), 835–867. doi:10.1152/physrev.00036.2003.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brailsford, A. D., Cowan, D. A., & Kicman, A. T. (2012). Pharmacokinetic properties of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in whole blood, serum, and urine. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 36(2), 88–95. doi:10.1093/jat/bkr023.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Busardo, F. P., & Jones, A. W. (2015). GHB pharmacology and toxicology: Acute intoxication, concentrations in blood and urine in forensic cases and treatment of the withdrawal syndrome. Current Neuropharmacology, 13(1), 47–70. doi:10.2174/1570159X13666141210215423.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Carter, L. P., Richards, B. D., Mintzer, M. Z., & Griffiths, R. R. (2006). Relative abuse liability of GHB in humans: A comparison of psychomotor, subjective, and cognitive effects of supratherapeutic doses of triazolam, pentobarbital, and GHB. Neuropsychopharmacology, 31(11), 2537–2551. doi:10.1038/sj.npp.1301146.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (1997). Gamma hydroxy butyrate use – New York and Texas, 1995–1996. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 46(13), 281–283.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chin, R. L., Sporer, K. A., Cullison, B., Dyer, J. E., & Wu, T. D. (1998). Clinical course of gamma-hydroxybutyrate overdose. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 31(6), 716–722.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cousto, H. (2011). Fachinformation: GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrat) – Mischkonsum. http://www.drogenkult.net/index.php/GHB.pdf?file=GHB&view=pdf. Zugegriffen am 15.05.2015.

  • de Jong, C. A., Kamal, R., Dijkstra, B. A., & de Haan, H. A. (2012). Gamma-hydroxybutyrate detoxification by titration and tapering. European Addiction Research, 18(1), 40–45. doi:10.1159/000333022.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dean, W., Joy, M., & Fowkes, S. (1998). GHB: The natural mood enhancer. Petaluma: Smart Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dines, A. M., Wood, D. M., Yates, C., Heyerdahl, F., Hovda, K. E., Giraudon, I., . . . Dargan, P. I. (2015). Acute recreational drug and new psychoactive substance toxicity in Europe: 12 months data collection from the European Drug Emergencies Network (Euro-DEN). Clinical Toxicology (Phila), 53(9), 893–900. doi:10.3109/15563650.2015.1088.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drug Abuse Warning Network. (2006). Drug abuse warning network, 2005: National estimates of drug-related emergency department visits (DAWN Series D-29, DHHS Publication No. [SMA] 07–4256). Rockville.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). (2005). Recordkeeping and reporting requirements for drug products containing gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB). Final rule. Federal Register, 70, 291.

    Google Scholar 

  • EMCDDA. (2008). Thematic papers – GHB and its precursor GBL: An emerging trend case study.

    Google Scholar 

  • EMCDDA. (2011). 2011 Annual report on the state of the drugs problem in Europe EMCDDA, Lisbon, November 2011. Lisbon.

    Google Scholar 

  • EMCDDA, EBDD. (2015). Europäischer Drogenbericht.

    Google Scholar 

  • EMCDDA (Producer). (2013, May 10, 2016). Statistical bulletin 2013 – Table SZR-21. Other substances seized, not included in other SZR tables, 2004–11. http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/stats13/szrtab21. Zugegriffen am 15.05.2015.

  • Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. (2012). Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) – Critical review report, 35th ECDD (2012) Agenda item 4.1. Paper presented at the expert committee on drug dependence – Thirty-fifth meeting, Hammamet.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feigenbaum, J. J., & Howard, S. G. (1996). Does gamma-hydroxybutyrate inhibit or stimulate central DA release? International Journal of Neuroscience, 88(1–2), 53–69.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ferrara, S. D., Tedeschi, L., Frison, G., & Rossi, A. (1995). Fatality due to gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and heroin intoxication. Journal of Forensic Science, 40(3), 501–504.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fuller, D. E., Hornfeldt, C. S., Kelloway, J. S., Stahl, P. J., & Anderson, T. F. (2004). The Xyrem risk management program. Drug Safety, 27(5), 293–306.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hagenbuch, F. (2011). GBL/GHB – der neue Kick? Das Wichtigste für die Praxis im Überblick. https://www.aerztekammer-bw.de/10aerzte/05kammern/10laekbw/20ehrenamt/30ausschuesse/suchtmedizin/suchtmedizin/gbl-ghb.pdf. Zugegriffen am 15.05.2015.

  • Hoffmann, M. (2015). Rauschgiftlage 2013 Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen (DHS). Lengerich: Pabst Science Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu, R. Q., Banerjee, P. K., & Snead, O. C., 3rd. (2000). Regulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release in cerebral cortex in the gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) model of absence seizures in rat. Neuropharmacology, 39(3), 427–439.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hunter, A. S., Long, W. J., & Ryrie, C. G. (1971). An evaluation of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid in paediatric practice. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 43(6), 620–628.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, L. D., O’Malley, P. M., Bachman, J. G., & Schulenberg, J. E. (2013). Monitoring the future, national survey results on drug use 1975–2013: Volume 2, college students and adults ages 19–55. Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kam, P. C., & Yoong, F. F. (1998). Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid: An emerging recreational drug. Anaesthesia, 53(12), 1195–1198.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kamal, R. M., van Noorden, M. S., Franzek, E., Dijkstra, B. A., Loonen, A. J., & De Jong, C. A. (2016). The neurobiological mechanisms of gamma-hydroxybutyrate dependence and withdrawal and their clinical relevance: A review. Neuropsychobiology, 73(2), 65–80. doi:10.1159/000443173.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Keating, G. M. (2014). Sodium oxybate: A review of its use in alcohol withdrawal syndrome and in the maintenance of abstinence in alcohol dependence. Clinical Drug Investigation, 34(1), 63–80. doi:10.1007/s40261-013-0158-x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Korf, D. J., Nabben, T., Leenders, F., & Benschop, A. (2002). GHB: Tussen Extase en Narcose. Amsterdam: Rozenberg Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laborit, H. (1964). Sodium 4-hydroxybutyrate. International Journal of Neuropharmacology, 3, 433–451.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Li, J., Stokes, S. A., & Woeckener, A. (1998a). A tale of novel intoxication: A review of the effects of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid with recommendations for management. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 31(6), 729–736.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, J., Stokes, S. A., & Woeckener, A. (1998b). A tale of novel intoxication: Seven cases of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid overdose. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 31(6), 723–728.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Marinetti, L., & Montgomery, M. A. (2010). The use of GHB to facilitate sexual assault. Forensic Science Review, 22(1), 41–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miro, O., Nogue, S., Espinosa, G., To-Figueras, J., & Sanchez, M. (2002). Trends in illicit drug emergencies: The emerging role of gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Journal of Toxicology, Clinical Toxicology, 40(2), 129–135.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moncini, M., Masini, E., Gambassi, F., & Mannaioni, P. F. (2000). Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid and alcohol-related syndromes. Alcohol, 20(3), 285–291.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • No authors listed. (2002). A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial comparing the effects of three doses of orally administered sodium oxybate with placebo for the treatment of narcolepsy. Sleep, 25(1), 42–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Office of National Drug Control Policy (Producer). (2002). Drug policy information clearinghouse fact sheet: Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/factsht/gamma/. Zugegriffen am 15.11.2005.

  • Perez, E., Chu, J., & Bania, T. (2006). Seven days of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use produces severe withdrawal. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 48(2), 219–220. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2006.03.040.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Poldrugo, F., Barker, S., Basa, M., Mallardi, F., & Snead, O. C. (1985). Ethanol potentiates the toxic effects of 1,4-butanediol. Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research, 9(6), 493–497.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rifat, C. (1985). Gamma-OH (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate): The first authentic antidepressant. http://www.shaman-australis.com/~claude/gamma_oh1.html. Zugegriffen am 15.05.2015.

  • Robinson, D. M., & Keating, G. M. (2007). Sodium oxybate: A review of its use in the management of narcolepsy. CNS Drugs, 21(4), 337–354.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roth, R. H., & Giarman, N. J. (1965). Preliminary report on the metabolism of gamma-butyrolactone and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid. Biochemical Pharmacology, 14, 177–178.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roth, R. H., & Giarman, N. J. (1968). Evidence that central nervous system depression by 1,4-butanediol in mediated through a metabolite, gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Biochemical Pharmacology, 17(5), 735–739.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Saytzeff, A. (1874). Über die Reduction des Succinylchlorids. Liebigs Annalen der Chemie, 171, 258–290.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sivilotti, M. L., Burns, M. J., Aaron, C. K., & Greenberg, M. J. (2001). Pentobarbital for severe gamma-butyrolactone withdrawal. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 38(6), 660–665. doi:10.1067/mem.2001.119454.

    Google Scholar 

  • Snead, O. C., 3rd. (2000). Evidence for a G protein-coupled gamma-hydroxybutyric acid receptor. Journal of Neurochemistry, 75(5), 1986–1996.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Snead, O. C., 3rd, & Gibson, K. M. (2005). Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid. New England Journal of Medicine, 352(26), 2721–2732. doi:10.1056/NEJMra044047.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sumnall, H. R., Woolfall, K., Edwards, S., Cole, J. C., & Beynon, C. M. (2008). Use, function, and subjective experiences of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 92(1–3), 286–290. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2007.07.009.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Takahara, J., Yunoki, S., Yakushiji, W., Yamauchi, J., & Yamane, Y. (1977). Stimulatory effects of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid on growth hormone and prolactin release in humans. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 44(5), 1014–1017. doi:10.1210/jcem-44-5-1014.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Teter, C. J., & Guthrie, S. K. (2001). A comprehensive review of MDMA and GHB: Two common club drugs. Pharmacotherapy, 21(12), 1486–1513.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thai, D., Dyer, J. E., Jacob, P., & Haller, C. A. (2007). Clinical pharmacology of 1,4-butanediol and gamma-hydroxybutyrate after oral 1,4-butanediol administration to healthy volunteers. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 81(2), 178–184. doi:10.1038/sj.clpt.6100037.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tunnicliff, G. (1997). Sites of action of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) – A neuroactive drug with abuse potential. Journal of Toxicology, Clinical Toxicology, 35(6), 581–590.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • U. S. Xyrem Multicenter Study Group. (2004). Sodium oxybate demonstrates long-term efficacy for the treatment of cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy. Sleep Medicine, 5(2), 119–123. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2003.11.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Amsterdam, J. G., van Laar, M., Brunt, T. M., & van den Brink, W. (2012). Risk assessment of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in the Netherlands. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 63(1), 55–63. doi:10.1016/j.yrtph.2012.03.005.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van Cauter, E., Plat, L., Scharf, M. B., Leproult, R., Cespedes, S., L’Hermite-Baleriaux, M., et al. (1997). Simultaneous stimulation of slow-wave sleep and growth hormone secretion by gamma-hydroxybutyrate in normal young Men. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 100(3), 745–753. doi:10.1172/JCI119587.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • van Noorden, M. S., Kamal, R. M., Dijkstra, B. A., Mauritz, R., & de Jong, C. A. (2015). A case series of pharmaceutical gamma-hydroxybutyrate in 3 patients with severe benzodiazepine-resistant gamma-hydroxybutyrate withdrawal in the hospital. Psychosomatics, 56(4), 404–409. doi:10.1016/j.psym.2014.03.002.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van Sassenbroeck, D. K., De Neve, N., De Paepe, P., Belpaire, F. M., Verstraete, A. G., Calle, P. A., et al. (2007). Abrupt awakening phenomenon associated with gamma-hydroxybutyrate use: A case series. Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 45(5), 533–538. doi:10.1080/15563650701365818.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, S. R. (1998). Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid poisoning. Western Journal of Medicine, 168(3), 187–188.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wood, D. M., Warren-Gash, C., Ashraf, T., Greene, S. L., Shather, Z., Trivedy, C., & Dargan, P. I. (2008). Medical and legal confusion surrounding gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its precursors gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4BD). QJM, 101(1), 23–29. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcm117.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zvosec, D. L., & Smith, S. W. (2003). Unsupported „Efficacy“ claims of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Academic Emergency Medicine, 10(1), 95–96; author reply 96.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zvosec, D. L., Smith, S. W., Porrata, T., Strobl, A. Q., & Dyer, J. E. (2011). Case series of 226 gamma-hydroxybutyrate-associated deaths: lethal toxicity and trauma. American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 29(3), 319–332. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2009.11.008.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jonathan Henssler .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer-Verlag GmbH Deutschland

About this entry

Cite this entry

Henssler, J., Bermpohl, F. (2016). GHB. In: von Heyden, M., Jungaberle, H., Majić, T. (eds) Handbuch Psychoaktive Substanzen. Springer Reference Psychologie . Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-55214-4_89-1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-55214-4_89-1

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-55214-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-55214-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Referenz Psychologie

Publish with us

Policies and ethics