Medical and legal confusion surrounding gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its precursors
gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4BD).
A case of withdrawal from the GHB precursors
gamma-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol.
Products: 1,4 Butanediol, Tetrahydrofuran, PolyTHF polytetramethylene-ethergly-col,
Gamma-Butyrolactone, N-Methylpyrrolidone, and NEOL Neopentylglycol
Products: 1,4-Butanediol (BDO) and
Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL)
The ban on the sale of GHB by the FDA and tighter regulations in various states led to an increase in illegally synthesized GHB and the sale and use of the GHB precursors
gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butandiol (1,4-BD).
Following passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in 1994 it became more difficult for the government to regulate health food and dietary supplements, and manufacturers began marketing a product similar to GHB, calling it
gamma-butyrolactone (GBL).
GHB requires only two ingredients -
gamma-butyrolactone (a solvent sometimes used in paint removers, engine degreasers, and textile work) and a strong base (such as sodium or potassium hydroxide).
Products containing
gamma-butyrolactone [(GBL).sup.*] are marketed for many claimed purposes, including to induce sleep, release growth hormone, enhance sexual activity and athletic performance, relieve depression, and prolong life.