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GHB is a depressant drug, which means it slows down messages travelling between the brain and body.
GBL (gamma butyrolactone) and 1,4-BD (1,4-butanediol) are chemicals that are closely related to GHB. Once GBL or 1,4-BD enter the body, they convert to GHB almost immediately.
GHB usually comes as a colourless, odourless, bitter or salty liquid, often sold in small bottles or vials. It can also come as a bright blue liquid known as ‘blue nitro’, and less commonly as a crystal powder.
GHB can cause many serious side effects including:
The prescription medication gamma hydroxybutyrate (sodium oxybate) is possibly safe for adults who are taking it under close medical supervision for symptoms of a condition called narcolepsy.
Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is unsafe and illegal for use as a dietary supplement. Use of GHB, or the closely related gamma butyrolactone (GBL) and butanediol (BD), has been linked to at least three deaths and 122 cases of serious side effects.
GHB can be addictive. Long-term use may lead to withdrawal symptoms that are serious enough to require hospitalization.
GHB also has some major interactions with prescription medications.
If you, or someone around you, is experiencing undesired or distressing psychological or physical symptoms from the intake of alcohol or other drugs please seek immediate medical attention.
If you need urgent help from ambulance services call Triple Zero (000). If a person has been mixing drugs with alcohol or other drugs, tell the paramedic exactly what has been taken.
