GHB Flashcards
(11 cards)
1
Q
what is GHB
A
- artificial substance that mimics something in the body
- mimics gamma hydroxybutyrate
- commonly taken with alcohol
- club drug - date rape
- can treat narcolepsy
2
Q
behavioural effects of GHB
A
- relaxation
- drowsiness
- euphoria
- sociability
- hallucinations
- coma
- confusion
3
Q
what forms does GHB come in
A
- colourless, odourless, bitter or salty tasting liquid
- blue coloured liquid crystals or powder
4
Q
what neurotransmitters are involved with GHB
A
- dopamine
- associated with GABA - inhibitory transmitter which explains relaxation
5
Q
how does GHB work
A
- increases GABA release in presynaptic neuron - GABA antagonist to rats they dont experience symptoms
- mediates receptor sites - GHB can bond to GABA receptor sites - has an effect but not as well as normal GABA
6
Q
why is GHB addictive
A
- dopamine pathway
- funada et al - rats preferred chamber with substance but not when with antagonist
7
Q
chronic use of GHB
A
- sever memory problems
- heart disease
- hallucinations
- extreme anxiety
- breathing problems
- evidence that long term can lead to neurological damage in rats
8
Q
adverse effects of GHB
A
- less activity in prefrontal cortex - less decision making - poor planning
- self reinforcing behaviour
- pps significantly slower on behavioural tasks than other addicted groups and controls
- bad at visuospatial, executive function and memory tasks
9
Q
tolerance of GHB
A
- informed reports from users suggest that they may increase the dosage, up to sometimes every 2-4 hours all day and night
10
Q
withdrawal of GHB
A
- symptoms reported as insomnia, anxiety and tremors
- hallucinations, delirium and extreme agitation and psychosis
- similar to alcohol
- usually resolves within 2 weeks
11
Q
clinical applications of GHB
A
- narcolepsy - lower dose than recreational use - people who experience narcolepsy have lower levels of GABA - substance acts as agonist - increases levels of GABA
