GHB | GBL

Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid, also known as 4-hydroxybutanoic acid or GHB is a central nervous system depressant with effects somewhat like alcohol, Xanax, and MDMA. It appears in trace amounts in beer and wine, as well as in the human brain as a metabolite of the neurotransmitter GABA, which plays a role in regulating fear and anxiety.  GHB’s taste is often described as salty or soapy.

GBL (gamma butyrolactone) is a prodrug of GHB.  GBL has a “chemical, plastic taste".  GBL is often sold as GHB, but due to the difference in dosage, it’s important to know which one you are taking.

DOSAGE:

The dilution strength of GHB and GBL can vary even from the same source.  Kristin Karas, director of operations with DanceSafe, recommends starting with a dose no bigger than 1.5mL.

Wait a minimum of 2 hours before redosing.  If you want to increase your dose, titrate with only a 5% increase.

Use a syringe to measure doses accurately and set an alarm on your phone to ensure you don’t redose too quickly.

It takes about 30 minutes to feel a GHB dose and its most noticeable effects will last around two hours—though residual effects can continue for about four hours. 

GBL, on the other hand, can be felt in as little as 15 minutes and will also start to wear off more quickly—roughly between 60 and 90 minutes after the come up. 

SIDE EFFECTS:

Potential side effects, particularly from overdoing GHB or mixing it with other central nervous system depressants, include:

·      Vomiting

·      Slowed heart and breathing rates

·      Passing out or unresponsiveness

·      Amnesia (i.e. forgetting that the drug was taken and what happened while under the influence)

·      Sleeplessness (usually after a period of re-dosing)

·      Anxiety (on the come-down)

In cases of overdose or mixing with other depressants, it’s possible for GHB to cause convulsions, breathing cessation, coma, and even death. 

WITHDRAWAL:

It’s possible to experience withdrawals after a period of heavy and/or frequent GHB use. Common withdrawal symptoms include:

·      Anxiety

·      Paranoia

·      Tremors

·      Sleeplessness

·      Hallucinations, delusions, or psychosis

·      High blood pressure 

If you’re experiencing GHB withdrawals, seek help and avoid self-medicating to relieve symptoms.