Substances | GHB & GBL
Synonyms
G, Gina, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, GHB, GBL, 1,4-BD
Class
Depressant
Mechanism of action
The end action of GHB is binding to GABA receptors. Whereas alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor, GHB seems to bind to the GABA-B complex [1]. GBL and 1,4BD (1,4-Butanediol) are precursors to GHB that are metabolized to GHB, which then exerts its effect. GBL is metabolized to GHB via serum lactonase, and 1,4BD via alcohol dehydrogenase in a two step reaction [2].
Medical use
Currently FDA approved as Xyrem for Narcolepsy. GHB was originally sold in vitamin supplement stores legally and became very popular in the 90s. GHB was scheduled in 2000 after the government took notice of GHB related overdose deaths in night clubs. GBL, a stronger GBH analogue was available as a chemical into the late 2000s. Now 1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BD) is the only widely available GHB analogue in the US. However, GHB and GBL are widely available in Europe as chemical emulsifiers, but are regularly traded for personal consumption.
Administration routes
Oral
Rectal Administration “Booty Bump”
Effect
"Downer”
Similar sensation to alcohol intoxication, “happy drunk,” increases sexual pleasure and libido, feelings of warmth and pleasure, disinhibition, head rush “high”
Safety Strategies
Recovery Position and G-Sleep
Coming soon..
Dose Time Logs and Exact Measurements
Coming soon..
Avoid Alcohol
Coming soon..
Avoid Skin Contact, and Ingestion
Coming soon..
Avoid Benzodiazepines, Opiates, and Antihistamines
Coming soon..
Buddy System and G-Sleep Supervision
Coming soon..
Drug Holidays
Coming soon..
Citations & Reading
[1] Busardò FP, Jones AW. GHB pharmacology and toxicology: acute intoxication, concentrations in blood and urine in forensic cases and treatment of the withdrawal syndrome. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015;13(1):47-70.
[2] Goodwin AK, Brown PR, Jansen EEW, Jakobs C, Gibson KM, Weerts EM. Behavioral effects and pharmacokinetics of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) precursors gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) in baboons. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2009;204(3):465-476.