| Liquid ecstasy - a significant drug problem. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 19471624 Owner: NLM Status: In-Data-Review |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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INTRODUCTION: Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB, "liquid ecstasy") and its legal pro-drugs gamma-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol are gaining in importance as recreational drugs in Germany. The effects of these substances are comparable with those of alcohol or benzodiazepines. Because of the wide availability of GHB physicians are increasingly being confronted with cases of intoxication. METHODS: This review is based on a selective literature search as well as on the authors' own experience and on information provided by the GIZ-Nord Poisons Centre, Göttingen, Germany. RESULTS: Consumption of a high dose of GHB or its prodrugs leads to severe intoxication with respiratory depression and coma. Only supportive therapy can be offered; no antidote is available. DISCUSSION: In any patient with impaired consciousness of unknown cause, the possibility of intoxication with GHB must be considered. Chemical detection of GHB in blood or urine is possible only using specific analytical methods and only within a short time frame (<12 h). Because of the short half-life of GHB, intoxications treated in intensive care units rarely show any complications. However, a number of fatalities have occurred. The potential abuse of GHB as a date rape drug must be borne in mind. |
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Authors:
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Hilke Andresen; Thomas Stimpfl; Nadine Sprys; Tino Schnitgerhans; Alexander Müller |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article Date: 2008-09-05 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Deutsches Ärzteblatt international Volume: 105 ISSN: 1866-0452 ISO Abbreviation: Dtsch Arztebl Int Publication Date: 2008 Sep |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2009-05-27 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 101475967 Medline TA: Dtsch Arztebl Int Country: Germany |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 599-603 Citation Subset: - |
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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