Compound Monograph
gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB)
GHB is a naturally occurring short-chain fatty acid and central nervous system depressant, also found endogenously in the brain.
Where Does It Come From? (2)
gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a naturally occurring (and made in the body) carboxylic acid (short-chain fatty acid), found in Endogenous in the human central nervous system and Trace amounts in some wines and meats. It is flagged as toxic and moderately toxic.
Research & Evidence
Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a short-chain fatty acid that occurs naturally in the human central nervous system, where it acts as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator, and is also found in trace amounts in some foods. It is a central nervous system depressant acting at GABA-B and dedicated GHB receptors. As the salt sodium oxybate it is a prescription medicine for narcolepsy with cataplexy, while illicitly it is used recreationally for euphoria and sedation and has been misused as a drug-facilitated assault agent.
Toxicity & Safety
GHB has a notoriously steep dose-response curve, so the gap between a recreational dose and one causing deep sedation, respiratory depression, unconsciousness or coma is small. The danger rises sharply when it is combined with alcohol or other depressants, and regular heavy use can produce physical dependence with a serious withdrawal syndrome. It is a Schedule I substance in the United States, while the pharmaceutical form is Schedule III.
Dosage
Recreational and research descriptions cite a common oral range of roughly 1 to 2.5 grams, but because individual sensitivity and product concentration vary enormously, even small increases can be dangerous. These figures describe doses reported in research and are not a recommendation.