GHB

Question 1

What does GHB stand for?

Answer 1

Gammahydroxybutyrate

Question 2

Describe the history of GHB.
Important dates: 1960s, 80s, 90s, 2000s

Answer 2

1960s - properties of exogenous GHB first described
Early studies showed production of sedation and anesthesia but not widely used
80s - Marketed as nutritional supplement for body builders in NA
90s - OTC sales banned
2000s - schedule I controlled substance in USA

Question 3

describe the drug classification of GHB.

Answer 3

CNS depressant
Exogenous drug
Endogenous neurotransmitter/neuromodulator

Question 4

How do you differentiate between GHB and water?

Answer 4

GHB - appears viscous and bubbly after shaking
Water - appears clear after shaking

Question 5

Describe the structure of GHB

Answer 5

Structurally related to GABA

Question 6

What are the 2 uses of GHB as described in class.

Answer 6

Prescribed for sleep disorders
Illicit use

Question 7

In what ways can GHB be used illicitly?

Answer 7

Club drug
Facilitate SA
Body builders

Question 8

Describe sodium oxabate, the prescription form of GHB .

Answer 8

GHB salt
Taken orally at night, divided into two doses

Question 9

Describe the availability of illicit GHB.

Answer 9

Easy to manufacture, powder or liquid

Question 10

What dose of GHB is taken for Rx? Illicit use?

Answer 10

Rx - 4.5-9g nightly
Illicit - 1-3 g

Question 11

What type of forensic cases can GHB play a role in?

Answer 11

SA
Impaired driving
Homicides
ASSAULTS

Question 12

What are the general effects of GHB?

Answer 12

Rapid onset
Sense of well-being
Euphoria
Sedation
Amensia

Question 13

What is the onset time of GHB?

Answer 13

Within 30 mins

Question 14

What are the three different receptors impacted by GHB?

Answer 14

GHB
GABA A
GABA B

Question 15

How does exogenous administration affect GHB brain concentration?

Answer 15

Significantly elevates

Question 16

What agonists block effects of GHB?

Answer 16

GABA A receptor agonists

Question 17

Why is GHB a weak agonist at GABA B?

Answer 17

Only activated at high concentrations

Question 18

What type of receptor is the GABA B receptor?

Answer 18

G-protein coupled receptor

Question 19

What is another term for G protein linked receptors?

Answer 19

Metabotropic receptors

Question 20

What do G protein linked/metabotropic receptors do?

Answer 20

Cause K+ ions to flow out of the neuron and less likely to fire an action potential

Question 21

How does GHB act at GABA A?

Answer 21

Some studies show it can act as a partial agonist

Question 22

When was the GHB receptor confirmed in humans?

Answer 22

2007

Question 23

What predicted the existence of a specific receptor for GHB?

Answer 23

Exhibited a range of effects not found to be produced by GABA B.

Question 24

What type of receptor is the GHB receptor?

Answer 24

G-protein coupled receptor

Question 25

Describe the action of GHB at low doses.

Answer 25

Binds almost exclusively to GHB receptor, stimulates release of glutamate

Question 26

What happens as the dose of GHB increases?

Answer 26

GHB binds to, and activates, GABA B receptor

Question 27

What causes the sedative/hypnotic effect of GHB

Answer 27

Binding to GABA B receptor

Question 28

What is a possible explanation for why people who take GHB to sleep would wake up 2-3 hours after dosing?

Answer 28

GABA B receptor stimulated after initial dosing, depressing CNS
As [GHB] decreases, excitatory GHB receptor becomes primary activated

Question 29

Describe the difference in pharmacology between endogenous and exogenous GHB.

Answer 29

Endo: GHB receptors
Exo: GABA B receptors

Question 30

What is the half-life of GHB?

Answer 30

30-60 mins

Question 31

What beverages contain GHB?

Answer 31

Red wines (highest) and white wines
Soy sauce
Grape juice