What are the dangers of GHB use?
GHB can cause many problems, including the following: • Drowsiness • Dizziness • Nausea • Vomiting • Changes in blood pressure • Trouble breathing • Aggressive behavior • Impaired judgment • Hallucinations • Seizures • Coma • Death These effects usually appear 10 to 20 minutes after a person takes the drug. Gamma hydroxybutyrate – Physicochemical The sodium salt of GHB has a molecular formula of C4H7NaO3 and a molecular weight of 126.09. The Chemical Abstract Society (CAS) Number for the sodium salt of GHB is 502-85-2. GHB appears to have no legitimate use as an industrial chemical. Interestingly, 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), 2 GHB precursor molecules, are used extensively in chemical manufacturing. In the year 2001, it is estimated that the United States’ industrial consumption of 1,4-BD will be an astonishing 387,000 metric tons. Major uses of 1,4-BD are the synthesis of tetrahydrofuran, polybutylene terephthalate resins, GBL, and polyurethanes. Gamma-hydrox
