GHB

  

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), naturally occurs in the body as a neurochemical compound. It was first manufactured in 1960 and has been used in several countries as a general anaesthetic, and for treatment of some sleep disorders.

GHB is also known as ‘fantasy', ‘grievous bodily harm' ('GBH'), ‘liquid ecstasy' and ‘liquid E', but its effects are more similar to alcohol than E. It is classed as a depressant drug that contains sedative and, at sufficient doses, anaesthetic properties. Depressant drugs slow down the activity of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. Alcohol, heroin and benzodiazepines are drugs that also have depressant effects.

GHB has also been used in ‘date rape drug' incidents.