National Drug Policy New Zealand

Other Drugs

Gamma-hydryoxybutyrate (GHB)

• Introduction to GHB
• Other names
• Health effects
• Mortality and morbidity
• Drug interaction
• Dependence potential
• More information

Introduction to GHB

GHB commonly exists as a colourless, odourless liquid usually sold in small bottles.

It has also has been seen in powder and capsule form. It is mostly taken orally, however, there have been reports of injection. It may have a slight salty taste.

GHB was first used in the United States as a surgical anaesthetic. It has recently been investigated as a treatment for narcolepsy (a sleep disorder) and for alcohol and opiate dependence.

Generally, two groups of people are known to take GHB -

• those in the dance/club scene (for its euphoric and sedative effects) and
• bodybuilders (because it was thought to promote what is known as 'slow wave sleep' during which a growth hormone is secreted).

Other names

GHB is also known as 'Fantasy', 'Grievous Bodily Harm' or 'Liquid Ecstasy'. GHB’s sodium salt is called sodium oxybate and may take the form of a white powder.

There are also a number of other substances that turn into (or are metabolised into) GHB when they are in your body.

These include gamma-butyrolactone ('GBL'), 1,4-butandiol ('1,4-B'), and gamma-aminobutyric acid ('GABA' – naturally occurs in the brain). Although there may be some differences, these substances have the same general effects as GHB.

Health effects

GHB is a depressant drug and it slows down the central nervous system.

Effects are noticeable between 10 minutes and one hour after taking the drug and can last for a period of up to 24 hours.

Many people have reported the following effects after taking GHB:

• euphoria
• drowsiness
• nausea
• increased confidence
• dizziness.

With increased doses the initial euphoria is replaced by powerful sedative effects, which can include:

• confusion
• agitation
• hallucinations
• seizures
• vomiting/nausea
• stiffening of muscles
• disorientation
• convulsions
• respiratory depression
• unconsciousness/coma.

There appears to be a fine line between the amount that is required to achieve the desired affect and that which leads to coma.

Such effects increase the risk of adverse consequences happening to the drug taker or to others.

For example, if people take the drug before driving, they could ‘fall asleep at the wheel’.

Also, if people fall into a coma they obviously have less control over what may happen to them.

When under the influence of these drugs, people may have less control over what may happen to them and could be taken advantage of by others.

Because there is often no way of knowing the strength of GHB, there is the added danger of overdosing.

There has been little research conducted regarding the effects of long term use of GHB. Apart from the potential to develop physical and psychological dependence, the health and social consequences of long-term use are largely unknown.

Mortality and morbidity

On 30 April 2001 the media reported that the first death in New Zealand from a GHB-related substance had occurred. It is thought that the drug had made the person stop breathing.

There have also been other cases of people collapsing and being hospitalised in New Zealand after taking the drug.

Drug interaction

Mixing GHB with other drugs will also increase the dangers. For example, combining GHB with another central nervous system depressant, such as alcohol, will intensify the effects and increase the chances of overdosing.

Dependence potential

People can become both physically and psychologically dependent on GHB. Physical dependence occurs when a person's body becomes used to functioning with the drug present and if use is suddenly stopped, symptoms of withdrawal will be experienced.

Psychological dependence occurs when using a drug becomes more important than other activities in a person's life. A person who becomes dependent on a drug may find it difficult to cut down or stop using.

Although there has been little research conducted in this area, there have been reports that prolonged use of high doses of GHB may lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Some people have experienced agitation/anxiety, insomnia and tremors after stopping their regular use of GHB. Withdrawal symptoms are usually experienced for three to 12 days.

More information

The Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs' (EACD) evidence-based report on GHB is available on this website.