Gamma butyrolactone (GBL) is a chemical in cleaning solutions and nail polish. In the body, GBL is converted to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a date-rape drug.
When the body converts GBL into GHB, it can turn off some functions of the nervous system.
Despite serious safety concerns, people use GBL as a party drug, for athletic performance, depression, and other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
GBL is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, making it illegal in the US. Don't confuse GBL with Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) or 1,4-Butanediol. These chemicals are related but are not the same.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using GBL for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: GBL is unsafe. It can cause very serious side effects, including seizures, coma, and death.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: GBL is unsafe for anyone when taken by mouth, including those who are pregnant and breast-feeding. Avoid use.
Slow heart rate: GBL can make this condition worse. Avoid use.
Seizure disorder (epilepsy): GBL might cause seizures. Avoid use.
Surgery: GBL can affect the central nervous system (CNS). It might cause too much sleepiness if it is used along with anesthesia and other medications during and after surgery. GBL should not be used in the two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
A rare disorder called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency: People with this condition are at a greater risk for serious adverse reactions from GBL. Avoid use.
Alcohol (Ethanol)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Alcohol can cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking GBL along with alcohol might greatly increase sleepiness and drowsiness caused by alcohol and lead to serious side effects. Do not take GBL if you have been drinking.
Amphetamines
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Amphetamines are drugs that can speed up the nervous system. GBL is changed in the body to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). GHB can slow down the nervous system. Taking GBL along with amphetamines can lead to serious side effects.
Divalproex sodium (Depakote)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Taking divalproex sodium at the same time as GBL might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of GBL. This could cause serious side effects.
Medications for pain (Narcotic drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications for pain can cause sleepiness and drowsiness. GBL might also cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking GBL along with some medications for pain might cause severe side effects. Do not take GBL if you are taking medications for pain.
Medications used to prevent seizures (Anticonvulsants)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
GBL may increase the risk of seizures. Therefore, taking GBL may decrease the effects of medications used to prevent seizures. This might increase the risk of seizures.
Naloxone (Narcan)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
GBL is changed by the body to another chemical that can affect the brain. Taking naloxone along with GBL might decrease the effects of naloxone.
Ritonavir (Norvir)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Taking ritonavir with GBL might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of GBL. This could increase the effects of GBL and cause serious side effects.
Saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Taking saquinavir with GBL might decrease how fast the body gets rid of GBL. This could increase the effects of GBL and cause serious side effects.
Sedative medications (CNS depressants)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
GBL might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking GBL with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
Topiramate (Topamax)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Taking topiramate plus GBL might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of GBL. This could cause serious side effects.
Herbs and supplements with sedative properties: GBL might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking it along with other supplements with similar effects might cause too much sleepiness and/or slowed breathing in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include hops, kava, L-tryptophan, melatonin, and valerian.
Taking GBL while drinking alcohol is very dangerous. The body converts GBL to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). GHB increases the effects of alcohol and can cause extreme drowsiness and slow down breathing too much.
Although it is illegal in the US, GBL has been used as a party and date-rape drug. GBL is unsafe. Any use runs the risk of serious side effects, including seizures, coma, and death.
1,2-Butanolide, 2,3-dihydro furanone, 2(3H)-Furanone Dihydro, 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid Lactone, 4-Butanolide, 4-Butyrolactone, 4-Hydroxybutanoic Acid Lactone, Acide 4-Hydroxybutanoïque Lactone, Butyrolactone, Butyrolactone Gamma, Dihydro-2(3H)-Furanone, Gamma Butirolactona, Gamma Butyrolactone, Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid Lactone, GBL, Tetrahydro-2-Furanone.
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