Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a schedule I depressant while the GHB-containing product, Xyrem, is a schedule III drug. GHB has been encountered in nearly every region of the country. It is used the same reason as recreational drugs; for their euphoric and sedative effects. GHB abuse became popular among teens and young adults at dance clubs and "raves" in the 1990s, and gained notoriety as a date rape drug.

Licit Uses:

On July 17, 2002, the Food and Drug Administration approved Xyrem (sodium oxybate) with Orphan Drug Status and limited distribution through a central pharmacy. Xyrem oral solution is approved as a treatment to reduce the incidence of cataplexy and to improve daytime sleepiness in patients with narcolepsy

GHB is a solid substance but is generally dissolved in liquid. In liquid form, GHB is clear and colorless, and slightly salty in taste.

GHB occurs naturally in the central nervous system in very small amounts. Scientific data suggest that GHB can function as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in the brain. It produces dose-dependent depressant effects similar to those of the barbiturates and methaqualone. Low doses of GHB produce drowsiness, nausea, and visual distortion. At high doses, GHB overdose can result in unconsciousness, seizures, slowed heart rate, severe respiratory depression, decreased body temperature, vomiting, nausea, coma, or death. Sustained use of GHB can lead to addiction. Chronic abuse of GHB produces a withdrawal syndrome characterized by insomnia, anxiety, tremors, marked autonomic activation (i.e., increased heart rate and blood pressure) and occasional psychotic thoughts. Currently, there is no antidote available for GHB intoxication.

GHB is abused for its euphoric and sedative effects. GHB is mainly self-ingested orally in a liquid mixture. It is sometimes mixed with alcohol to intensify its effects resulting in respiratory depression and coma. The average oral dose range from 1 to 5 grams (depending on the purity of the compound this can be 1-2 teaspoons mixed in a beverage). The saturation and concentrations of these "home-brews" have varied so that the user is not usually aware of the actual dose they are drinking. The onset of action after oral ingestion is 15 to 30 minutes and the effects last 3 to 6 hours.

The most recent data from poison control centers, a high school survey, and forensic laboratory analyses of seized samples from System to Retrieve Information on Drug Evidence (STRIDE) and National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) all suggest illicit activities with GHB and its analogues are declining although remaining a significant threat to the public safety.

GHB analogues are often abused in place of GHB. Both GBL and BD metabolize to GHB upon ingestion. The ingestion of analogs produces physiological effects similar to GHB.

User Population:

GHB is abused by teens and young adults at all-night parties and "raves." Monitoring the Future Survey indicated that in 2005, 0.5% of 8th graders, 0.8% of 10th graders, and 1.1% of 12th graders reported past year use of GHB.

GHB is produced illegally in both domestic and foreign clandestine laboratories. The major source of GHB on the street is through clandestine synthesis by local operators. GHB is sold usually as a white powder or as a clear liquid. GHB is packaged in vials or small bottles. At bars or "rave" parties, GHB is sold in liquid form by the capful or "swig" for $5 to $25 per cap.

There has been almost no diversion or abuse of the pharmaceutical product, Xyrem.

On March 13, 2000, GHB, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers, were made a schedule I controlled substance (65 FR 13235-13238). On March 20, 2001, GHB was added in schedule IV of the 1971 Convention of Psychotropic Substances.

GBL became a list I chemical, subject to the criminal, civil and administrative sanctions of the Controlled Substances Act, on February 18, 2000 under the provisions of the "Hillary Farias and Samantha Reid Date-Rape Prohibition Act."

Xyrem is a schedule III controlled substance. However, trafficking of Xyrem is subject to schedule I penalties.