GHB Flashcards
What does GHB stand for?
Gammahydroxybutyrate
Describe the history of GHB.
Important dates: 1960s, 80s, 90s, 2000s
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
describe the drug classification of GHB.
CNS depressant
Exogenous drug
Endogenous neurotransmitter/neuromodulator
How do you differentiate between GHB and water?
GHB - appears viscous and bubbly after shaking
Water - appears clear after shaking
Describe the structure of GHB
Structurally related to GABA
What are the 2 uses of GHB as described in class.
Prescribed for sleep disorders
Illicit use
In what ways can GHB be used illicitly?
Club drug
Facilitate SA
Body builders
Describe sodium oxabate, the prescription form of GHB .
GHB salt
Taken orally at night, divided into two doses
Describe the availability of illicit GHB.
Easy to manufacture, powder or liquid
What dose of GHB is taken for Rx? Illicit use?
Rx - 4.5-9g nightly
Illicit - 1-3 g
What type of forensic cases can GHB play a role in?
SA
Impaired driving
Homicides
ASSAULTS
What are the general effects of GHB?
Rapid onset
Sense of well-being
Euphoria
Sedation
Amensia
What is the onset time of GHB?
Within 30 mins
What are the three different receptors impacted by GHB?
GHB
GABA A
GABA B
How does exogenous administration affect GHB brain concentration?
Significantly elevates
What agonists block effects of GHB?
GABA A receptor agonists
Why is GHB a weak agonist at GABA B?
Only activated at high concentrations
What type of receptor is the GABA B receptor?
G-protein coupled receptor
What is another term for G protein linked receptors?
Metabotropic receptors
What do G protein linked/metabotropic receptors do?
Cause K+ ions to flow out of the neuron and less likely to fire an action potential
How does GHB act at GABA A?
Some studies show it can act as a partial agonist
When was the GHB receptor confirmed in humans?
2007
What predicted the existence of a specific receptor for GHB?
Exhibited a range of effects not found to be produced by GABA B.
What type of receptor is the GHB receptor?
G-protein coupled receptor
Describe the action of GHB at low doses.
Binds almost exclusively to GHB receptor, stimulates release of glutamate
What happens as the dose of GHB increases?
GHB binds to, and activates, GABA B receptor
What causes the sedative/hypnotic effect of GHB
Binding to GABA B receptor
What is a possible explanation for why people who take GHB to sleep would wake up 2-3 hours after dosing?
GABA B receptor stimulated after initial dosing, depressing CNS
As [GHB] decreases, excitatory GHB receptor becomes primary activated
Describe the difference in pharmacology between endogenous and exogenous GHB.
Endo: GHB receptors
Exo: GABA B receptors
What is the half-life of GHB?
30-60 mins
What beverages contain GHB?
Red wines (highest) and white wines
Soy sauce
Grape juice
