Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) withdrawal syndrome: First case report in Lithuania (Kaunas addiction treatment center)

Abstract

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) precursor and metabolite that naturally occurs in the human body. Initially, GHB was used as an anaesthetic agent but was later also found to have anabolic, hypnotic, antidepressant, anxiolytic as well as cholesterol lowering effects. Recently though, research into GHB has been carried out primarily in assessing its effectiveness in treating alcohol and opioid withdrawal syndrome. There are no epidemiological data about GHB consumption in Lithuania, however during last decade there were observed many fatal cases of GHB users due to GHB intoxication or withdrawal abroad. In this article we will present the clinical case and problems which face the patient of 2-year daily GHB consumption. There were observed mild to moderate abstinence state presented with its clinical course and peculiarities. Whereas using GHB is becoming more popular in Lithuania, it is very important to pay attention to this substance and problems related to its usage.Disclosure of interest: The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.