Ellen Campbell-Grizzle - PHARMACY TODAY PERSONS WHO abuse synthetic Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) are playing with fire. On the street, the drug is called 'liquid ecstasy', 'easy lay', 'scoop' and 'fantasy'. In Europe and the United States GHB has been circulating in the nightclub scene for the past seven years as an alternative to ecstasy. In Jamaica, information about GHB abuse is limited. However, to be forewarned is to be forearmed.
GHB was originally developed as an anaesthetic but was withdrawn due to unwanted side effects. Misuse of it poses significant health risks because there is a narrow margin between the amount that causes the desired effect and toxicity that leads to unconsciousness and irreversible coma. GHB is marketed illicitly to bodybuilders as a growth hormone stimulant. The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) has expressed concern about its potential for surreptitious use in sexual assaults or 'date rape'.
The drug is available as an odourless, colourless and nearly tasteless liquid. Sometimes it is presented as a powder or capsule. GHB is difficult to detect by sight, taste or smell once it is dissolved in alcoholic or other beverages. Reported symptoms of abuse include a feeling of euphoria giving way to sleepiness. GHB causes vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness and seizures. After excessive intake, users experience irregular and depressed respiration, tremors or coma.
GHB IS NATURAL
Interestingly, GHB is a normal component of the human body and is found naturally in every cell. Significant amounts are found in the brain but far greater concentrations exist in the kidney, heart, skeletal muscles and fat tissues. It bears a close structural relationship to Gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the body. However, it does not act directly on GABA receptors and is considered a nutrient. GHB has been
used in investigational treatment of narcolepsy and alcohol withdrawal in Europe. In England, GHB has been marketed as an anti-ageing medicine that allegedly increases libido, decreases body fat and induces sleep.
Synthetic GHB has a very dangerous side to which 'night clubbers' are most vulnerable. It only takes a small additional amount for the drug to become lethal. Remember GHB can be used to spike your drink easily and not be detected by you. It is best to party with friends who do not binge. If you drink alcoholic beverages, protect yourself and monitor your drink at parties at all times. Pay attention to the following safety tips: adamantly refuse offers of any substance to 'pep up' your drink; throw away your drink if you have left it unprotected and party with friends who look out for you as you protect them.
If you want to understand more about drugs like 'liquid ecstasy', ask your pharmacist, you have the right to know!
Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, President, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists (CAP); Director, Information & Research, National Council on Drug Abuse; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
