GHB
The Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), located at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, provides timely information about drugs and related issues.
The chemical name for GHB is gamma hydroxybutyric acid, and it is very similar to a naturally occurring chemical present in the brain called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). Other terms used to refer to the substance inslude G, G-force, Fluid, Liquid E, Liquid G, Fantasy, Scoop, Water and Easy Lay.
Before 1990, the sale of GHB was legal and was sold in health food stores to body builders trying to "bulk up." It was taken off the market by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because of reports of serious adverse events associated with use, including seizures, coma, respiratory arrest, and death.
In Februrary 2000, GHB was made a Schedule I controlled substance by the FDA through the passage of the Hillary J. Farias and Samantha Reid Date Rape Drug Prohibition Act.
GHB is sold as a clear liquid or white powder. The liquid has the consistency of soapy water. It can easily be mistaken for water, and is often put into clear plastic water bottles. At raves, GHB can be found being sold out of the lid of photographic film containers for $10 a hit.
Effects are dose-related and include sedation or drowsiness, muscle relaxation, hallucinations, confusion, amnesia, coma, decreased breathing, and potentially, death. GHB can also produce stimulatory effects such as increases in blood pressure, agitation, seizures, irregular / uncontrollable muscle movements, nausea, vomiting, and uncontrollable urination.
Small amounts of GHB can cause effects, and the duration is generally one to two hours, with full recovery from symptoms seen in about eight hours.
