Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB): what it is and why people talk about it

GHB is a central nervous system depressant that shows up in two very different contexts: as a prescription medicine (sodium oxybate) and as an illegal recreational drug. As a medicine it treats narcolepsy symptoms under strict prescriptions. As a street drug it’s used for its sedative and euphoric effects, which also makes it risky. If you want a quick, practical picture — read on for uses, dangers, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Medical use and legal forms

Sodium oxybate is the medical form of GHB. Doctors prescribe it for narcolepsy with cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness. When taken as directed under a prescription, it's given in a controlled dose at night and monitored because the range between a helpful dose and an unsafe dose is narrow. Many countries treat GHB as a controlled substance, so legal use happens only through licensed healthcare channels. Illegal forms often come from precursors like GBL or 1,4-butanediol, which the body turns into GHB — and those are especially dangerous because doses and purity are unpredictable.

Risks, overdose signs, and drug interactions

The biggest risk with GHB is breathing and consciousness problems. Overdose can cause severe drowsiness, slow or stopped breathing, vomiting, seizures, coma, or death. Mixing GHB with alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or other sedatives multiplies the danger — even small amounts can become life-threatening. Watch for very slow breathing, pale or bluish skin, inability to wake someone, or uncontrolled vomiting. If any of those happen, call emergency services immediately and stay with the person until help arrives.

Withdrawal can be serious too. Regular heavy use can lead to anxiety, tremors, sweating, fast heart rate, insomnia, hallucinations, and severe cravings. Medical supervision is often needed for safe detox because symptoms can escalate quickly.

Another practical point: GHB leaves the body fast. Standard drug tests often miss it because it’s usually gone from urine within 6–12 hours, sometimes up to 24. That makes lab detection hard unless tests are done quickly after use.

Want harm-reduction tips? If someone uses GHB despite the risks: never mix it with alcohol or other sedatives, use with a sober friend, keep doses low, and avoid taking multiple doses close together. If you suspect an overdose, put the person on their side to reduce choking risk and call emergency services right away. For regular users, seek medical help for supervised detox — withdrawal can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Questions about prescription options, safer sleep disorder treatment, or recognizing drug interactions are common. Talk to a healthcare provider if you or someone you know is using GHB medically or recreationally. For more clear guides on medications and safety, check our other drug pages and guides on StrutYourSupplements.su.