Abstract
A growing body of evidence shows that gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is an addictive substance. Its precursors gammabutyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) show the same properties and may pose even more risks due to different pharmacokinetics. There are indications that problematic GHB use is increasing in the European Union. This review investigates the existing literature on the neurochemistry of GHB and its precursors, their acute toxicity, addiction potential and withdrawal, the proposed molecular mechanism underlying addiction and the treatment of withdrawal and addiction. Current evidence shows that GHB and its precursors are highly addictive, both in humans and animals, probably through a GABAB receptor related mechanism. Severity of withdrawal symptoms can be considered as a medical emergency. Recent studies suggest that benzodiazepines are not very effective, showing a high treatment resistance, whereas detoxification with pharmaceutical GHB proved to be successful. However, relapse in GHB use is frequent and more research is warranted on relapse prevention. This might aid medical practitioners in the field and improve general understanding of the severity of addiction to GHB, GBL and 1,4-BD.
Keywords: GHB, GBL, 1, 4-BD, GABA, dopamine, illicit drugs, addiction, dependence, withdrawal.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title:GHB, GBL and 1,4-BD Addiction
Volume: 20 Issue: 25
Author(s): Tibor M. Brunt, Jan G. C. van Amsterdam and Wim van den Brink
Affiliation:
Keywords: GHB, GBL, 1, 4-BD, GABA, dopamine, illicit drugs, addiction, dependence, withdrawal.
Abstract: A growing body of evidence shows that gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is an addictive substance. Its precursors gammabutyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) show the same properties and may pose even more risks due to different pharmacokinetics. There are indications that problematic GHB use is increasing in the European Union. This review investigates the existing literature on the neurochemistry of GHB and its precursors, their acute toxicity, addiction potential and withdrawal, the proposed molecular mechanism underlying addiction and the treatment of withdrawal and addiction. Current evidence shows that GHB and its precursors are highly addictive, both in humans and animals, probably through a GABAB receptor related mechanism. Severity of withdrawal symptoms can be considered as a medical emergency. Recent studies suggest that benzodiazepines are not very effective, showing a high treatment resistance, whereas detoxification with pharmaceutical GHB proved to be successful. However, relapse in GHB use is frequent and more research is warranted on relapse prevention. This might aid medical practitioners in the field and improve general understanding of the severity of addiction to GHB, GBL and 1,4-BD.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Brunt M. Tibor, Amsterdam G. C. van Jan and Brink van den Wim, GHB, GBL and 1,4-BD Addiction, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2014; 20 (25) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/13816128113199990624
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/13816128113199990624 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Fused 1,4-Dihydropyridines as Potential Calcium Modulatory Compounds
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Antipsychotic and Antiepileptic Drugs in Bipolar Disorder: The Importance of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Current Medicinal Chemistry Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: Does Being Unemployed Matter? Insights from the GSCAD Registry
Current Cardiology Reviews New Developments in Antimicrobial Use in Sepsis
Current Pharmaceutical Design Metabolic Profile of Flunitrazepam: Clinical and Forensic Toxicological Aspects
Drug Metabolism Letters The Role of Procalcitonin in Sepsis and Septic Shock
Current Medicinal Chemistry - Immunology, Endocrine & Metabolic Agents Functional Chemical Groups that May Likely Become a Source for the Synthesis of Novel Central Nervous System (CNS) Acting Drugs
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry JAK2 Inhibitors for Myelofibrosis: Why are They Effective in Patients with and Without JAK2V617F Mutation?
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Structure-Activity Relationships of KATP Channel Openers
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Use of Medication in Coronary Imaging by CT
Current Medical Imaging Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Surgical Revascularization: An Update on Pharmacologic Prophylaxis
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Toxicities of Immunosuppressive Treatment of Autoimmune Neurologic Diseases
Current Neuropharmacology Antimicrobial Resistance in the 21st Century: A Multifaceted Challenge
Protein & Peptide Letters Editorial [Hot Topic: Sepsis (Guest Editor: David E. Joyce)]
Current Drug Targets Traditional and Alternative Therapies for Refractory Angina
Current Pharmaceutical Design Bothrops pauloensis Snake Venom Toxins: The Search for New Therapeutic Models
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Changes in an Experimental Model of Syndrome X and Pharmacological Intervention on the Renin-Angiotensin- System
Current Vascular Pharmacology Alpha-2 Agonists: Can they Modify the Outcomes in the Postanesthesia Care Unit?
Current Drug Targets Intranasal Drug Delivery to the Central Nervous System: Present Status and Future Outlook
Current Pharmaceutical Design Malignant Hypercalcemia
Current Medicinal Chemistry