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GHB Withdrawal

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GHB Withdrawal, Gamma Hydroxybutyrate Withdrawal

  • Pathophysiology
  1. GHB Dependence is rare due to rapid elimination
  2. GHB Dependence may occur with excessive use
    1. Chronic use (common in bodybuilders)
    2. Frequent dosing (evert 1-3 hours around the clock)
  • Symptoms
  • Withdrawal
  1. Early symptoms
    1. Insomnia
    2. Tremor
    3. Anxiety
    4. Confusion
    5. Nausea and Vomiting
  2. Later symptoms
    1. Agitation
    2. Vivid Hallucinations
    3. Combative behavior
    4. Disorientation
    5. Seizures
  3. Associated Symptoms: Autonomic Instability
    1. Tachycardia
    2. Hypertension
    3. Tremor
    4. Diaphoresis
  • Management
  1. Agitation may require initial restraints (Agitated Delirium)
    1. Four point Physical Restraints may be needed initially
    2. Treat with sedation agents below
    3. See Chemical Restraints
  2. Sedation
    1. Benzodiazepine
    2. Barbiturate
  3. Other symptomatic management
    1. Consider other GABA-B Agonists (e.g. Baclofen)
  • References
  1. Masom and Tomaszewski (2018) Crit Dec Emerg Med 32(11): 23
  2. Dyer (2001) Ann Emerg Med 37(2):147-52 [PubMed]