GHB Bookmark this page for easy reference . GHB As of January 2000, DEA documented 60 GHB-related deaths nationwide. Many of these deaths involved the use of GHB in combination with alcohol which potentates the depressant effect of the drug. GHB can be colorless, tasteless and odorless which makes it easy to add unobtrusively to beverages by individuals who want to intoxicate or sedate others, perhaps for the purpose of rape.
Food color is added by some, however, it serves no purpose other than to attract the young customer.
The drug is generally ingested orally after being mixed in a liquid. The onset of action is rapid and in an overdose, unconsciousness can occur after 15 minutes and coma within 30 to 40 minutes. GHB produces dose-dependent drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, amnesia, visual hallucinations, reduced blood pressure, decreased heart rate, hypnotic effects resembling petit mal epilepsy, convulsions, severe respiratory depression, coma and death. Overdose frequently requires emergency room care, including intensive care for respiratory depression and coma. Most individuals regain consciousness within two to four hours.