Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate is regarded as an experimental medicine and it is illegal to use as a supplement. It is illegal to use Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate except if enrolled in certain FDA-allowed clinical trials or for FDA-approved indications.

Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4 butanediol (BD) are metabolized to Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate in the body and should be avoided by everyone. Under no conditions should Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate, GBL or BD be used with alcohol, anticonvulsants, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, major tranquilizers, opioids, protease inhibitors, or skeletal muscle relaxants. The most common adverse events reported in patients participating in U.S. clinical trials of the effects of sodium oxybate (sodium gamma-hydroxybutyrate) for the treatment of narcolepsy are dizziness, enuresis, headache, and nausea. In these trials, subjects were randomized to doses of 3, 6 or 9 grams daily, and the side effects appeared to be related to dose. Other adverse effects reported in individuals taking Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate include abnormal muscle movements, bradycardia, confusion, diarrhea, drowsiness, incoordination, lightheadedness, loss of bladder control, loss of consciousness, orthostatic hypotension, seizure-like activity, sleepwalking, temporary amnesia, and vomiting. Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate taken with any of the following medicines may lead to life-threatening situations: alcohol, anticonvulsants, antihistamines (particularly sedating antihistamines), benzodiazepines, major tranquilizers, opioids, protease inhibitors used for the treatment of HIV, and skeletal muscle relaxants. This website is intended to educate and inform, and should not replace discussions with your doctor.