Abstract
There is little medical information available about gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) or gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) dependence or withdrawal. In this study the authors treated and reviewed multiple cases of GHB and GBL withdrawal in high-dose users. Five patients during nine hospitalizations were treated for GHB or GBL withdrawal. The authors describe a spectrum of GHB or GBL withdrawal from mild to severe and discuss medications used for treatment. They conclude that patients with GHB or GBL withdrawal may present with agitated psychosis, delirium, and autonomic instability. In this sample, relapse to GHB or GBL use occurred soon after treatment of withdrawal.
Publication types
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Case Reports
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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4-Butyrolactone / adverse effects*
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Adjuvants, Anesthesia / adverse effects*
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Adult
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Anxiety / chemically induced
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Anxiety / psychology
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Anxiety / therapy
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / chemically induced
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Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / psychology
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Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / therapy
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Sodium Oxybate / adverse effects*
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Solvents / adverse effects*
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Substance Withdrawal Syndrome* / psychology
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Substance Withdrawal Syndrome* / therapy
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Tremor / chemically induced
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Tremor / psychology
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Tremor / therapy
Substances
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Adjuvants, Anesthesia
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Solvents
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Sodium Oxybate
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4-Butyrolactone