Gamma hydroxybutyrate
Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), pronounced as /ˈɡæmə haɪˈdrɒksɪbjuːˌteɪt/, is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter and a psychoactive drug. It is found in the human central nervous system (CNS) and is a precursor to GABA, glutamate, and glycine in certain brain areas.
Etymology
The term "Gamma Hydroxybutyrate" is derived from its chemical structure, which consists of a gamma hydroxy group (-OH) attached to a butyrate (four-carbon) chain.
Usage
GHB is used medically for the treatment of narcolepsy and more commonly used recreationally as an intoxicant. It is also used as a date rape drug due to its ability to incapacitate and induce amnesia.
Effects
The effects of GHB can vary greatly, depending on the dose, the user's individual physiology, and the context in which it's used. Effects can range from feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and increased sociability and sex drive, to loss of consciousness, seizures, and even death in high doses.
Related Terms
- GABA: Gamma-Aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter that GHB is a precursor to.
- Glutamate: A neurotransmitter that GHB is a precursor to.
- Glycine: A neurotransmitter that GHB is a precursor to.
- Narcolepsy: A neurological disorder that GHB is used to treat.
- Date rape drug: A term often associated with GHB due to its use in sexual assaults.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gamma hydroxybutyrate
- Wikipedia's article - Gamma hydroxybutyrate
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