GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate, or gammahydroxy-butyric acid) is a depressant that is usually available in odorless and tasteless liquid form. It can also be sold as a powder or pill. It takes effect 10-20 minutes after it is ingested and its effects typically last up to four hours. Death while using GHB is most likely when it is combined with alcohol or other depressant drugs; however, an overdose of GHB alone may be lethal.
A review of the details of 194 deaths attributed to or related to GHB over a ten-year period found that most were from respiratory depression caused by interaction with alcohol or other drugs; several were from choking on vomit and asphyxiating; remaining causes of death included motor vehicle and other accidents. The review included 70 cases where high levels of GHB were found post-mortem without concomitant ingestion of other drugs or alcohol.Effects of the drug include 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 and a loss of gag reflex.
Some of the effects caused by higher doses include disinhibition, sedation, desire to sleep, rambling incoherent speech, giddiness, silliness, difficulty thinking, slurred speech, passing out, and death. The body produces small amounts of GHB for it's metabolism but that does not mean it is ok for people to use the form that is created in a lab. GHB is not a supplement even though it has been marketed as such and should never be used as such. If you think someone you love is abusing GHB please contact a councelor today at 1-888-829-3133 for help.
Risks
Coma (at high doses) / Seizures / Nausea and breathing difficulties (when combined with alcohol or other drugs) / Poisoning / Overdose / Death (at high doses) / Addiction and withdrawal effects (including insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and sweating)