GHB is a synthetic central nervous depressant. It was banned by the FDA in 1990 due to dangers associated with its use. However, in 2002, it was approved for use in a rare form of narcolepsy. Almost all GHB in the United States is made illegally within the United States. It is one of the drugs often referred to as a "date rape" drug because it can induce blackouts (anterograde amnesia), rendering the person who took GHB unable to recall what occurred while under the effects of the drug. It has a soapy/salty taste, but is virtually non-detectable when mixed with beverages. GHB can be made from GBL (gamma-butyrolactone), can be used as an aroma compound, as a stain remover, as a superglue remover, as a paint stripper, and as a solvent in some aluminum electrolytic capacitors. GBL is a prodrug (a drug that is converted to another drug in the body). GBL is rapidly converted into GHB by lactamase enzymes found in the blood. GBL is more lipophilic (fat soluble) than GHB, and so is absorbed faster and has higher bioavailability; the paradox is that this can mean that GBL has a faster onset of effects than GHB itself, even though it is a prodrug. The levels of lactamase enzyme can vary between individuals, and GBL is not active in its own right, so people who have never tried GBL before may have delayed or fewer effects than expected; however, once someone has taken GBL a few times, the production of lactamase enzymes is increased and he/she will feel the effects more intensely . Butanediol (1,4-butanediol), which is used in the production of plastics and adhesives, is also a prodrug with GBH conversion in the body. Because of pharmacokinetic differences, GBL tends to be more potent and faster-acting than GHB, and has around the same duration; whereas the related compound 1,4-butanediol tends to be slightly less potent, slower to take effect but longer-acting than GHB.
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Effects: Intoxication, increased energy, happiness, talking, desire to socialize, feeling affectionate and playful, mild disinhibition, sensuality, enhanced sexual experience, muscle relaxation, loss of coordination due to loss of muscle tone, possible nausea, difficulty concentrating, loss of gag reflex. Many people have bad reactions. These can include nausea, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, amnesia, vomiting, loss of muscle control, respiratory problems, loss of consciousness, being conscious but unable to move, and death- Especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs. Effects of large doses: Disinhibition, sedation, desire to sleep, rambling incoherent speech, giddiness, silliness, difficulty thinking, slurred speech, passing out, and death. ***WARNING - if your friend passes out, always seek medical attention immediately, no matter what anyone else tells you. Effects of overdose: Sleep or deep sedation from which you cannot be awakened by any means for about three hours, and in many cases, death. Passing out while on GHB is sometimes called carpeting out, scooping out, or throwing down.
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