GHB/GBL info card

GHB/GBL: G, liquid ecstasy

GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid) and GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) are central nervous system depressants used for their sedative and euphoric effects. GHB is used in medicine for the treatment of narcolepsy, and is used recreationally in party settings, clubs, raves, or during sex. 

How it hits:

• Both substances are often grouped together, but GBL converts to GHB in the body and is often stronger and faster acting.  

• GHB/GHL are usually swallowed in liquid form, mixed into a drink. Sometimes they’re found in powder form. 

• Effects begin in 5-20 minutes, peak around 60 minutes, and usually fade within 2–4 hours. Higher doses can cause sudden sedation or unconsciousness. 

• Side effects and complications include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, sweating, loss of coordination, slowed breathing, memory loss, agitation, blackouts, unconsciousness, seizures, and coma. 

• Crash: Can include confusion, anxiety, shakiness, sweating, insomnia, or low mood. Heavy or frequent use may lead to dependence and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. 

Risky GHB/GBL combos:

Mixing drugs increases the risk of serious health issues. Always check individual interactions and limit combinations: 

+ Alcohol = greatly increases the risk of blackouts, slowed breathing, sedation, and overdose. 

+ Benzodiazepines (like Xanax, Klonopin, Valium) = can cause sedation and and increase overdose risk. 

+ Opioids (like fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone) = high risk of fatal overdose due to slowed or stopped breathing. 

+ Ketamine = increases sedation, confusion, and loss of consciousness. 

+ Muscle relaxants/gabapentin = can cause severe drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, loss of consciousness, and breathing problems, especially at higher doses. 

+ Sleep aids (over-the-counter or prescription) = can increase sedation, raising the risk of unconsciousness, overdose, coma, and death. 

+ Antidepressants/antipsychotics = can increase sedation, dizziness, confusion, low blood pressure, and in some cases raise the risk of loss of consciousness or dangerous side effects. Risks vary depending on the medication. 

! Always keep an eye on your drink: Because GHB/GBL are often clear liquids, they can be mistaken for water or added to drinks without someone’s knowledge. 

Stay safer:

• Measure doses carefully using a syringe or measured dropper. Small differences in the amount can have strong effects. 

• Repeated use too close together increases overdose risk because effects can stack unexpectedly. Track your doses and wait at least 2 hours before redosing.

• Avoid mixing with alcohol or other depressants. Most serious GHB-related emergencies involve drug combinations.

• Use with people you trust and avoid using alone.

• Store clearly labeled and away from other liquids to prevent accidental ingestion. 

• If someone passes out, place them on their side (recovery position) and monitor their breathing. 

• Call 911 if someone is difficult to wake, has slowed or stopped breathing, turns blue or gray, has a seizure, or becomes unresponsive. 

• Naloxone will not reverse GHB itself, but it should still be given if opioid exposure is possible or unknown. 

Look out for each other tonight:

• It’s okay to say no or take a break whenever you need.    

• Stay alert for any signs of distress and step in to help if needed.

• In an emergency, call 911 for medical services. In Pennsylvania, you are protected under the Good Samaritan Law (Act 139 of 2014, "Drug Overdose Response Immunity Act") and will not get in trouble with the police.

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