 GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate) can help with the following: | |  | | | Addictions |  Alcohol-related Problems | GHB shows great promise in the treatment of alcoholism. In Europe, one of its primary uses is to relieve withdrawal symptoms, cravings and anxiety among alcoholics.
In a rigorous, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted on alcoholics, “...nearly all withdrawal symptoms disappeared within 2-7 hours” after administration of GHB. On a severe-moderate-mild-or-none scale, withdrawal symptoms remained below moderate during the entire period. The only side-effect observed was slight, occasional and transient dizziness. The researchers concluded, “...the results clearly indicated that GHB is effective for the suppression of withdrawal symptoms in alcoholics” [Gallimberti, 1989]. |
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Aging |
 Parkinson's Disease |
Circulation |
Not recommended for:
 Hypertension |
Hormones |
Low HGH (Human Growth Hormone)| | GHB stimulates pituitary growth hormone (GH) release. One methodologically rigorous Japanese study reported nine-fold and sixteen-fold increases in growth hormone 30 and 60 minutes respectively after intravenous administration of 2.5gm of GHB in 6 healthy men between the ages 25-40 [Takahara, 1977]. GH levels were still seven-fold higher after 120 minutes.
The mechanism by which GHB stimulates growth-hormone release is not known. Dopamine activity in the hypothalamus is known to stimulate pituitary release of growth hormone, but GHB inhibits dopamine release at the same time that it stimulates GH release. This suggests that GHB’s GH-releasing effect takes place through an entirely different mechanism. |
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Immunity |
 Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome| | GHB has been reported to help decrease pain and improve sleep amongst fibromyalgia patients. |
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Lab Values |
High Total Cholesterol| | In a study of 100 patients at the Warsaw Institute of Hematology, GHB was shown to lower cholesterol levels. |
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Mental |
Poor Memory| | An IND (Investigational New Drug Application) has been filed with the FDA for GHB's proposed action on improving poor memory. |
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Schizophrenia| | GHB has been reported to reduce schizophrenia symptoms, but must not be used with some psychotropic drugs, such as Valium, Thorazine, Dilantin or Phenobarbital. |
Anxiety| | GHB’s efficacy for treating anxiety has been positively demonstrated in tests involving schizophrenic subjects [Laborit, 1964]. Its sedative properties have earned it a role as a psychotherapeutic adjunct [Vickers, 1969]. It has also been used to assist the process of “abreaction”, or the release (usually through verbalization) of repressed emotion [Vickers, 1969]. Unlike other “anxiolytic” (or anti-anxiety) drugs, GHB’s effect is non-toxic. Furthermore, GHB’s reduction of inhibitions, its tendency to encourage verbalization, and the typical lack of fear during the GHB experience would seem to provide an ideal context for the verbal exploration of difficult emotional territory during therapy. |
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Metabolic |
Insomnia| | GHB has been called "almost an ideal sleep inducing substance" [Smart Drugs II, p. 245]. Small doses produce relaxation, tranquility and drowsiness which make it extremely easy to fall asleep naturally. Higher doses increase the drowsiness effect and decrease the time it takes to fall asleep. A sufficiently large dose of GHB will induce sudden sleep within five to ten minutes [Laborit, 1964].
Many other hypnotics interfere with various stages of the sleep cycle thus preventing the body from achieving a complete and balanced session of rest and recuperation. The most remarkable facet of GHB-induced sleep is its physiological resemblance to normal sleep. For instance, GHB sleep is characterized by increased levels of carbon dioxide in the arteries, as in normal sleep [Vickers, 1969].
During both normal and GHB-induced sleep, the central nervous system continues to be responsive to "noxious stimuli" (pain and other irritations), a factor which sets limits on GHB’s uses in anesthesia [Vickers, 1969]. GHB facilitates both REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, and "slow wave" (non-REM) sleep, the stage of sleep featuring increased release of growth hormone [Laborit, 1972]. And - unlike the unconsciousness induced by other anesthetics - that triggered by GHB does not feature a systemic decrease in oxygen consumption [Laborit, 1964].
The primary disadvantage of GHB's use as a sleep aid is its short term influence - some three hours. During GHB's influence, sleep is deeper and more restful, but after the GHB has worn off, people have a tendency to wake up. The higher the dose, the greater is this tendency. Some have called this pattern the "dawn effect" and have speculated that it is related to the release of stored dopamine. Some people minimize this effect by taking minimal doses of GHB. Others take advantage of this effect by getting a couple of hours of work done in the middle of the night. Still others choose to take a second dose of GHB to sleep for another three hours.
It should be noted that not everyone can be put to sleep by GHB. Some people never achieve sleep even with the doses normally used for such purposes. In addition, Takahara (1977) reported in a growth-hormone study that one man remained conscious even though he had received GHB intravenously at a dosage which rendered the rest of the participants unconscious. |
Narcolepsy| | In the 1970s, GHB was used to treat sleep disorders, and some interest in this use continues. Some doctors feel it is the most reliable medication for inducing sleep that exists. It is thought to induce rapid eye movement sleep, decreasing symptoms of narcolepsy. Many prominent doctors have been outspoken about the unnecessary legal restrictions placed on this naturally-occurring substance. Medical use in the treatment of narcolepsy is usually 50mg/kg per day.
Several independent investigators have reported beneficial effects by GHB against narcolepsy but only two double-blind studies have been published [Scrima et al, 1989 and 1990; Lammers et al., 1993]. Based on these two reports, there is little doubt that the drug is helpful to narcoleptic patients and several other independent investigators have confirmed the findings.
The most consistent and least controversial effects are improved cataplexy and improved nocturnal sleep disruption with GHB treatment [Scrima et al., 1990; Broughton and Mamelak, 1980: Bedard et al., 1990]. Further investigations would be needed to confirm a possible beneficial effect for daytime sleepiness. Importantly, GHB's anti-cataplectic effects are clearly mediated by a different mode of action when compared to those produced by antidepressant compounds. As such, patients who do not tolerate classical antidepressant treatment because of side-effects, tolerance or contraindications would not have any other choice if GHB were not available to them. |
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Musculo-Skeletal |
Leg Cramps At Night| | An IND (Investigational New Drug Application) has been filed with the FDA for GHB's proposed action on reducing nocturnal myoclonus (painful leg cramps at night). |
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Nervous System |
Tardive Dyskinesia| | GHB has been reported to help control tardive dyskinesia symptoms. |
Not recommended for:
Seizure Disorder |
Uro-Genital |
Pregnancy-Related Issues| | GHB induces "remarkable hypotonia" (muscle relaxation) [Vickers, 1969] and is now gaining popularity in France and Italy as an aid to childbirth. GHB causes “spectacular action on the dilation of the cervix”, decreased anxiety, greater intensity and frequency of uterine contractions, increased sensitivity to oxytocic drugs (used to induce contractions), preservation of reflexes, a lack of respiratory depression in the fetus, and protection against fetal cardiac anoxia (especially in cases where the umbilical cord wraps around the fetus’ neck) [Vickers, 1969; Laborit, 1964]. |
Not recommended for:
Eclampsia / Preeclampsia |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended | | | Reasonably likely to cause problems |
GLOSSARY
Anesthesia
Loss of sensation caused by neurological dysfunction or a pharmacological depression of nerve function.
Antidepressant (Antidepressants)
Literally, substances meant to oppose depressions or sadness, and generally heterocyclic types such as Elavil, MAO inhibitors like phenelzine, or lithium carbonate. This category of substances formerly included stuff like amphetamines and other stimulants. Botanical examples include Hypericum, Peganum and Oplopanax.
Anxiety
Apprehension of danger, or dread, accompanied by nervous restlessness, tension, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath unrelated to a clearly identifiable stimulus.
Arterial (Arteries, Artery)
Blood that leaves the heart. When it leaves the right ventricle, it is venous blood; and when it leaves the left ventricle, through the aorta, it is fresh and oxygenated. After it has passed out to the capillaries and started to return, it is venous blood.
Cardiac
Pertaining to the heart, also, pertaining to the stomach area adjacent to the esophagus.
Cataplexy
An abrupt temporary loss of voluntary muscular function and tone, sometimes evoked by an emotional stimulus such as laughter, pleasure, anger or excitement.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
A collective term for the brain, spinal cord, their nerves, and the sensory end organs. More broadly, this can even include the
neurotransmitting hormones instigated by the CNS that control the chemical nervous system, the endocrine glands.
Cervix
The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Cramp (Cramping, Cramps)
A sudden, involuntary, painful muscular contraction.
Crave (Craving, Cravings)
To have a strong desire for; to feel the need for.
Dopamine
A neurohormone; precursor to norepinephrine which acts as a stimulant to the nervous system. Carries signals between neurons and controls feelings of satisfaction, arousal, reward and mood.
Dyskinesia
A condition characterized by spasmodic, uncoordinated, or other abnormal movements; i.e., those which result from a reaction to phenothiazines.
FDA
The (American) Food and Drug Administration. It is the official government agency that is responsible for ensuring that what we put into our bodies - particularly food and drugs - is safe and effective.
Fibromyalgia (FMS)
Originally named fibrositis, it is a mysteriously debilitating syndrome that attacks women more often than men. It is not physically damaging to the body in any way, but is characterized by the constant presence of widespread pain that often moves about the body. Fibromyalgia can be so severe that it is often incapacitating.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Hypertension
High blood pressure. Hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure because it adds to the workload of the heart, causing it to enlarge and, over time, to weaken; in addition, it may damage the walls of the arteries.
Hypothalamus (Hypothalmus)
Tucked deep inside the brain, this gland is an important supervisory center, regulating many body functions. It is important for longevity and coordinates the entire endocrine system, especially in connection with the pituitary. The hypothalamus is located immediately below the thalamus at the center of the brain, and controls many automatic functions of the body. This means it has the power to govern the autonomic (automatic or subconscious) nervous system. The hypothalamus also controls pituitary output by secreting specific chemicals to the pituitary's front lobe. Despite its importance in maintaining homeostasis, the hypothalamus in humans accounts for only 1/300 of total brain weight, and is about the size of an almond.
Hypotonia
Lessened tension; arterial relaxation.
Kilogram (kg, kgs, Kilogramme, Kilogrammes, Kilograms)
1000 grams, 2.2lbs.
Learning Disorder (Learning Disabilities, Learning Disability, Learning Disorders)
A generic term that refers to a group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning or mathematical abilities. These disorders are intrinsic to the individual and presumed to be due to central nervous system dysfunction. Even though a learning disability may occur along with other handicapping conditions (e.g. sensory impairment, mental retardation, social and emotional disturbance) or environmental influences (e.g. cultural differences, insufficient/inappropriate instruction, psychogenic factors) it is not the direct result of those condition or influences.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Narcolepsy
A cause of daytime sleepiness due to an inherited disorder of the control of dreaming sleep. It should be differentiated from sleep apnoea, periodic leg movements and other rarer causes of daytime sleepiness.
Neurotransmitters (Neurotransmitter)
Chemicals in the brain that aid in the transmission of nerve impulses. Various Neurotransmitters are responsible for different functions including controlling mood and muscle movement and inhibiting or causing the sensation of pain.
Pituitary (Pituitary Gland)
The pituitary gland is a small (half-inch), bean-shaped organ that hangs down from the lower center of the brain on a stalk attached to another gland, the hypothalamus. Weighing less than one gram, the pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" since it controls the secretion of hormones by other endocrine glands. It regulates many body activities, and is partitioned into front and back lobes. The front lobe is stimulated by the hypothalamus, and produces any one of six different hormones that in turn stimulate the thyroid, adrenal and reproductive glands, and also breast milk production.
Schizophrenia
Any of a group of psychotic disorders usually characterized by withdrawal from reality, illogical patterns of thinking, delusions, and hallucinations, and accompanied in varying degrees by other emotional, behavioral, or intellectual disturbances. Schizophrenia is associated with dopamine imbalances in the brain and defects of the frontal lobe and is caused by genetic, other biological, and psychosocial factors.
Sedative
Calming, quieting; drug that quiets nervous excitement.
Uterus (Uterine)
The part of the female reproductive system specialized to allow the implantation, growth and nourishment of a fetus during pregnancy.
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
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