Symptomvielfalt nach Konsum der Droge Gamma-Hydroxybuttersäure (GHB)

Zusammenfassung

Der Konsum von Gamma-Hydroxybuttersäure (GHB, „flüssiges XTC”) sowie der legalen Vorstufen Gamma-Butyrolacton und 1,4-Butandiol gewinnt in Deutschland immer mehr an Bedeutung. Aufgrund der weiten Verbreitung dieser Droge und seiner Vorstufen werden Kliniker derzeit vor allem vermehrt mit GHB-Intoxikationen konfrontiert. Die Wirkungen dieser Substanzen können bei Überdosierung Symptomen beispielsweise einer Intoxikation mit Alkohol und/oder Benzodiazepinen ähneln. Neben Symptomen der Intoxikation können aber auch GHB-Entzugssymptome erhebliche differenzialdiagnostische Schwierigkeiten bereiten. Dabei können neben vegetativen Entzugssyndromen insbesondere auch psychotische Symptome auftreten. In dieser Übersicht werden Geschichte, Pharmakodynamik und -kinetik sowie die relevanten Symptome von Intoxikation und Entzug auf neurologischem und psychiatrischem Fachgebiet dargestellt.

Abstract

Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB, ”liquid ecstasy”) and its legal prodrugs gamma-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol are gaining importance as recreational drugs in Germany. Because of the wide availability of GHB and its prodrugs physicians are increasingly being confronted with cases of intoxication. The effect of GHB intoxication is comparable with those of alcohol and/or benzodiazepines. Likewise, symptoms of withdrawal may occur. In this review, we summarise current data regarding the history, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the drug as well as the relevant symptoms of intoxication or withdrawal as they pertain to neurology and psychiatry.

Schlüsselwörter

GHB-Entzugssyndrom - GHB-Intoxikation - „flüssiges XTC” - GHB-Abhängigkeit

Keywords

symptoms of withdrawal - GHB intoxikation - ”liquid ecstasy” - dependency on GHB

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