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Dijkstra BAG, Beurmanjer H, Goudriaan AE, Schellekens AFA, Joosten EAG. Unity in diversity: A systematic review on the GHB using population. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 94:103230. [PMID: 33892279 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past decades gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) has emerged as a popular drug with high potential of (ab)use due to its euphoric and relaxing effects. An overview of different populations using GHB is urgently needed, since this would enable development of adequate prevention and treatment policies to diminish the risks associated with GHB use. We systematically reviewed literature on different GHB using populations, comparing demographic characteristics, GHB use patterns, psychosocial aspects and psychiatric comorbidity. METHODS We conducted a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using Rayyan software. Original studies published from January 1997 up to October 2019 on GHB use were included. Out of 80 full-text articles, 60 articles of 51 unique studies were included. Most studies included people using GHB 1) presenting at emergency departments (n = 22), 2) recruited from the general population (n = 11), or 3) presenting at addiction care (n = 8). RESULTS Three main sub-populations of people using GHB are described in the literature: people using GHB recreationally without adverse effects; people using GHB recreationally with adverse effects, and people with dependence on GHB. These groups show considerable overlap in gender, age range, and comorbid substance use, as well as amount of GHB use per occasion. Differences are related to frequency and function of GHB use, the number of comas experienced, as well as work status, and psychiatric comorbidity. CONCLUSION Policy interventions should aim at preventing the transition from recreational substance use to GHB use, as most users are experienced recreational substance users prior to starting GHB use. When people use GHB regularly, interventions should aim at reducing the level of GHB use and preventing GHB use-related harm. Longitudinal studies and population-based probability sampling are required for more insight in the dynamics of GHB use in different sub-populations, and the transition from one group to the other, ultimately leading to dependence on GHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A G Dijkstra
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioner in Addiction (NISPA), Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboudumc, Department of Psychiatry, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Novadic-Kentron Addiction Treatment Center, Vught, the Netherlands.
| | - H Beurmanjer
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioner in Addiction (NISPA), Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Novadic-Kentron Addiction Treatment Center, Vught, the Netherlands
| | - A E Goudriaan
- Jellinek and Arkin, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A F A Schellekens
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioner in Addiction (NISPA), Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboudumc, Department of Psychiatry, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - E A G Joosten
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioner in Addiction (NISPA), Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboudumc, Department of Psychiatry, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Antonelli M, Ferrulli A, Sestito L, Vassallo GA, Tarli C, Mosoni C, Rando MM, Mirijello A, Gasbarrini A, Addolorato G. Alcohol addiction - the safety of available approved treatment options. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2017; 17:169-177. [PMID: 29120249 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2018.1404025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. At present disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate are approved for the treatment of AUD in U.S. and Europe. Nalmefene is approved in Europe and sodium oxybate is approved in Italy and Austria only. Baclofen received a 'temporary recommendation for use' in France. AREAS COVERED The safety of the above mentioned medications on liver, digestive system, kidney function, nervous system, pregnancy and lactation and their possible side effects are described and discussed. EXPERT OPINION Mechanism of action and metabolism of these drugs as well as patients' clinical characteristics can affect the safety of treatment. All approved medications are valid tools for the treatment of AUD in patients without advanced liver disease. For some drugs, attention should be paid to patients with renal failure and medications may be used with caution, adjusting the dosage according to kidney function. In patients with AUD and advanced liver disease, at present only baclofen has been formally tested in randomized controlled trials showing its safety in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Antonelli
- a Alcohol Use Disorders Unit , Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy
| | - Anna Ferrulli
- a Alcohol Use Disorders Unit , Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy.,b Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease , IRCCS Policlinico San Donato , Milan , Italy
| | - Luisa Sestito
- a Alcohol Use Disorders Unit , Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy
| | - Gabriele A Vassallo
- a Alcohol Use Disorders Unit , Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy
| | - Claudia Tarli
- a Alcohol Use Disorders Unit , Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy
| | - Carolina Mosoni
- a Alcohol Use Disorders Unit , Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy
| | - Maria M Rando
- a Alcohol Use Disorders Unit , Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy
| | - Antonio Mirijello
- c Department of Medical Sciences , IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital , San Giovanni Rotondo , Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- d Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy
| | - Giovanni Addolorato
- a Alcohol Use Disorders Unit , Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy.,d Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy
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Bosch OG, Eisenegger C, Gertsch J, von Rotz R, Dornbierer D, Gachet MS, Heinrichs M, Wetter TC, Seifritz E, Quednow BB. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate enhances mood and prosocial behavior without affecting plasma oxytocin and testosterone. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015. [PMID: 26209926 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.07.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a GHB-/GABAB-receptor agonist. Reports from GHB abusers indicate euphoric, prosocial, and empathogenic effects of the drug. We measured the effects of GHB on mood, prosocial behavior, social and non-social cognition and assessed potential underlying neuroendocrine mechanisms. GHB (20mg/kg) was tested in 16 healthy males, using a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over design. Subjective effects on mood were assessed by visual-analogue-scales and the GHB-Specific-Questionnaire. Prosocial behavior was examined by the Charity Donation Task, the Social Value Orientation test, and the Reciprocity Task. Reaction time, memory, empathy, and theory-of-mind were also tested. Blood plasma levels of GHB, oxytocin, testosterone, progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenocorticotropic-hormone (ACTH) were determined. GHB showed stimulating and sedating effects, and elicited euphoria, disinhibition, and enhanced vitality. In participants with low prosociality, the drug increased donations and prosocial money distributions. In contrast, social cognitive abilities such as emotion recognition, empathy, and theory-of-mind, and basal cognitive functions were not affected. GHB increased plasma progesterone, while oxytocin and testosterone, cortisol, aldosterone, DHEA, and ACTH levels remained unaffected. GHB has mood-enhancing and prosocial effects without affecting social hormones such as oxytocin and testosterone. These data suggest a potential involvement of GHB-/GABAB-receptors and progesterone in mood and prosocial behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver G Bosch
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Christoph Eisenegger
- Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Robin von Rotz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Dornbierer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Salomé Gachet
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Markus Heinrichs
- Department of Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Strasse 8, 79104 Freiburg i. Br., Germany
| | - Thomas C Wetter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 84, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
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Karila L, Reynaud M. GHB and synthetic cathinones: clinical effects and potential consequences. Drug Test Anal 2010; 3:552-9. [PMID: 21960540 DOI: 10.1002/dta.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2010] [Revised: 09/14/2010] [Accepted: 09/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Designer drugs belong to a group of legally or illegally produced substances that are structurally and pharmacologically very similar to illicit drugs. In the past, designer drugs were often used during all-night dance parties, but they are now consumed in multiple settings from college bars to parks to private house parties. Most of these club drugs can be bought on legal websites and home-delivered for private parties. Recently, legal highs have once again become a burning media issue across the world. Our review will focus on GHB and synthetic cathinones. Literature searches were conducted for the period from 1975 to July 2010 using PubMed, EMBASE, PsycInfo, Internet underground and governmental websites using the following keywords alone or in combination: designer drugs, club drugs, party drugs, GHB, synthetic cathinones, mephedrone, methylone, flephedrone, MDAI, and MDVP. Available epidemiological, neurobiological, and clinical data for each compound are described. There is evidence that negative health and social consequences may occur in recreational and chronic users. The addictive potential of designer drugs is not weak. Non-fatal overdoses and deaths related to GHB/GBL or synthetic cathinones have been reported. Clinicians must be careful with GBL or synthetic cathinones, which are being sold and used as substitutes for GHB and MDMA, respectively. Interventions for drug prevention and harm reduction in response to the use of these drugs should be implemented on the Internet and in recreational settings. Prevention, Information, Action, and Treatment are the main goals that must be addressed for this new potentially addictive problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Karila
- Addiction Research and Treatment Centre, Paul Brousse Hospital, (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris [AP-HP]) Villejuif, France.
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Acide gamma-hydroxy-butyrique (GHB) : plus qu’un agent de soumission chimique, une véritable source d’addiction. Presse Med 2009; 38:1526-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2009.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2009] [Revised: 05/14/2009] [Accepted: 05/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Carter LP, Pardi D, Gorsline J, Griffiths RR. Illicit gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and pharmaceutical sodium oxybate (Xyrem): differences in characteristics and misuse. Drug Alcohol Depend 2009; 104:1-10. [PMID: 19493637 PMCID: PMC2713368 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2008] [Revised: 04/22/2009] [Accepted: 04/27/2009] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
There are distinct differences in the accessibility, purity, dosing, and misuse associated with illicit gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) compared to pharmaceutical sodium oxybate. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate sodium and sodium oxybate are the chemical and drug names, respectively, for the pharmaceutical product Xyrem (sodium oxybate) oral solution. However, the acronym GHB is also used to refer to illicit formulations that are used for non-medical purposes. This review highlights important differences between illicit GHB and sodium oxybate with regard to their relative abuse liability, which includes the likelihood and consequences of abuse. Data are summarized from the scientific literature; from national surveillance systems in the U.S., Europe, and Australia (for illicit GHB); and from clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance with sodium oxybate (Xyrem). In the U.S., the prevalence of illicit GHB use, abuse, intoxication, and overdose has declined from 2000, the year that GHB was scheduled, to the present and is lower than that of most other licit and illicit drugs. Abuse and misuse of the pharmaceutical product, sodium oxybate, has been rare over the 5 years since its introduction to the market, which is likely due in part to the risk management program associated with this product. Differences in the accessibility, purity, dosing, and misuse of illicit GHB and sodium oxybate suggest that risks associated with illicit GHB are greater than those associated with the pharmaceutical product sodium oxybate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence P. Carter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street #843, Little Rock, AR 72205
| | - Daniel Pardi
- Department of Scientific Affairs, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, 3180 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304
| | - Jane Gorsline
- Frank and Gorsline Associates, 1160 Little Gopher Canyon Road, Vista, CA 92084
| | - Roland R. Griffiths
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224
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