Mechanism of action in the body- on molecular level, medical use
Long term consequences of use
Societal impact- how does it affect society
What is GHB?
GHB, or gamma-hydroxybutyrate, is a central nervous system depressant that can be
misused as a recreational drug. Originally it is used in a medical setting to treat narcolepsy,
however it gained popularity in the party scenes in the 90’s due to its euphoric and sedative
effects similar to alcohol. GHB is also a naturally occuring substance produced by the brain
in small amounts and can be found in the central nervous system.
Mechanism of action in the body:
GHB is a naturally occuring substance found in the central nervous system that is produced
by the brain in small amounts.
1. GHB primarily acts by binding to GABA-B receptors. It’s believed that GHB is
converted to GABA, or a GABA-related compound, in the brain, which then binds to these
GABA receptors.
2. GABA Receptor Activation: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the main
inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, which In simple terms is like a “brake” that helps
control and calm nerve signals and prevent overstimulation in the brain. GABA
(gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an example of such a neurotransmitter with inhibitory
functions. When GHB or its metabolites bind to GABA-B receptors, it activates these
receptors.
3. Activation of GABA-B receptors leads to the opening of potassium channels
and the closing of calcium channels on neurons. This results in hyperpolarization of the
neuron membrane, making it less likely to generate an action potential and furthermore
reduces the release of neurotransmitters like GABA.
4. GABAergic transmission inhibits the release of other excitatory
neurotransmitters like glutamate. This reduction in the amount of excitatory
neurotransmitters contributes to GHB’s inhibitory effects, which it is known for.
5. Apart from GHB converting to GABA related compounds and binding to
GABA specific receptors, GHB also binds to specific GHB receptors. The function of these
receptors is not fully known, but their activation may contribute to the unique effects of GHB,
such as individuals not recalling memories after use of GHB.
6. Another important role of GHB is its influence on the release of dopamine,
which is a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure. This modulation
contributes to the drug’s euphoric and stimulant properties.
Societal impact:
In medical terms Xyrem is known to be a treatment for people who experience cataplexy
(sudden loss of muscle tone) associated with narcolepsy and prescribed GHB in its
pharmaceutical form, known as Xyrem.
Xyrem or GHB or liquid ecstasy gained popularity in the 90’s and is known as a party
drug that is used by young people typically in party and rave settings to achieve a sense of
light-headdedness and euphoria, similar to the effect of alcohol.
This drug is often used to by criminals to commit sexual assault by drugging their
victim’s drinks. Due to its transparent and scentless liquid state, it is easy to slip it into
someone’s food or beverage. It can also be in the form of powder, which adds to even
further potential danger of its easy use for criminals.
The effects of GHB are similar to alcohol, and at light doses can make you feel more
sociable and light headed, however higher doses may intensify these effects and make you
more drowsy and dizzy. An even higher dose can cause nausea and vomiting and put you
into deep sleep. An overdose of GHB can cause lowered heart rate, difficulty in breathing,
convulsions and even death, which often occurs especially when GHB is paired with other
substances like alcohol.
With GHB there is only a slight difference between the dose that produces desired
effects and a dose that puts the user at risk. If you have even a little too much GHB, the
consequences can be fatal.
Links:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462042/#:~:text=Pharmacologically%2C%2
0GHB%20is%20classified%20as,complex%20%5B27%2C%2028%5D.
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/ghb
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/drugs-ghb.html#:~:text=GHB%20(gamma%20hydroxybutyr
ate)%20is%20a,and%20at%20%22rave%22%20parties.
