gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid
Chemical compound / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) (or γ-hydroxybutyric acid), also known as 4-hydroxybutanoic acid is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter and a depressant drug. It is a precursor to GABA, glutamate, and glycine in certain brain areas. It acts on the GHB receptor and is a weak agonist at the GABAB receptor. GHB has been used in the medical setting as a general anesthetic and as treatment for cataplexy, narcolepsy, and alcoholism.[9][10] The substance is also used illicitly for various reasons, including as a performance-enhancing drug, date rape drug, and as a recreational drug.[11]
It is commonly used in the form of a salt, such as sodium γ-hydroxybutyrate (NaGHB, sodium oxybate, or Xyrem) or potassium γ-hydroxybutyrate (KGHB, potassium oxybate). GHB is also produced as a result of fermentation, and is found in small quantities in some beers and wines, beef, and small citrus fruits.[12]
Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency is a disease that causes GHB to accumulate in the blood.