TY - CHAP
T1 - Neurotoxicity due to Repeated Comas Following Excessive Use of Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid
AU - van Amsterdam, J. G. C.
AU - Brunt, T. M.
AU - McMaster, M. T. B.
AU - van den Brink, W.
PY - 2016/1/1
Y1 - 2016/1/1
N2 - The number of gamma-hydroxybutyric (GHB) acid users and GHB-dependent patients is increasing. Recreational GHB users generally regard GHB use and the frequently occurring GHB-induced comatose states as harmless. However, like with other sedative drugs such as ketamine and alcohol, such overdosing may cause neurotoxic damage, resulting in cognitive impairments, especially if the user repeatedly falls into a coma which is likely to occur because of the high addictive potential of GHB. Animal studies have shown that high doses of GHB are neurotoxic leading to impairment of memory and decline of cognitive functions. Case studies have confirmed that at least some GHB users suffer from impaired cognitive functioning, but clear neurotoxic effects have not been observed in humans. This chapter summarizes the potential neurotoxicity of chronic, intensive GHB use, including the potential negative effects of (repeated) GHB-induced comatose states. Research into the possible long-term neurotoxic and cognitive effects of GHB is advocated.
AB - The number of gamma-hydroxybutyric (GHB) acid users and GHB-dependent patients is increasing. Recreational GHB users generally regard GHB use and the frequently occurring GHB-induced comatose states as harmless. However, like with other sedative drugs such as ketamine and alcohol, such overdosing may cause neurotoxic damage, resulting in cognitive impairments, especially if the user repeatedly falls into a coma which is likely to occur because of the high addictive potential of GHB. Animal studies have shown that high doses of GHB are neurotoxic leading to impairment of memory and decline of cognitive functions. Case studies have confirmed that at least some GHB users suffer from impaired cognitive functioning, but clear neurotoxic effects have not been observed in humans. This chapter summarizes the potential neurotoxicity of chronic, intensive GHB use, including the potential negative effects of (repeated) GHB-induced comatose states. Research into the possible long-term neurotoxic and cognitive effects of GHB is advocated.
UR - https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85131472906&origin=inward
U2 - https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-800212-4.00042-X
DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-800212-4.00042-X
M3 - Chapter
SN - 9780128003756
T3 - Neuropathology of Drug Addictions and Substance Misuse Volume 2: Stimulants, Club and Dissociative Drugs, Hallucinogens, Steroids, Inhalants and International Aspects
SP - 453
EP - 459
BT - Neuropathology of Drug Addictions and Substance Misuse Volume 2: Stimulants, Club and Dissociative Drugs, Hallucinogens, Steroids, Inhalants and International Aspects
PB - Elsevier
ER -