Is GHB really neurotoxic?

[freaktech]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19288974

This study suggests a bit concerning neurotoxicity in (only?) male rats. GHB was always presented in previous studies like a very harmless drug in the brain damage/toxicity department with a very clean metabolism (water and co2). More recent info about this?

 

[atara]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2725257/?tool=pmcentrez

If GHB caused serious neurodegeneration in humans in responsible users, that should be reported in the study. It's used as a prescription drug in the form of Xyrem.

However, this does not speak to the effects of heavy abuse! The Xyrem regimen used is usually about half a gram to a gram taken before bed as a sleep aid. It's one of the best narcolepsy drugs around.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xyrem

EDIT: Xyrem doses are actually much higher, around 4.5 grams. See below. However, it is still not really binge-use.

 

[Renz Envy]

I have heard alcohol is neurotoxic when abused.

Therefore I can only imagine GHB is as well, but I can only imagine one would need to be binging pretty hard for the effects to be apparent. (Binging is not hard to do with GHB)

 

[Wizzle]

Xyrem dosing is actually very high! 4.5 grams twice a night is quite normal. It is essentially a knock-out dose.

 

[Renz Envy]

Xyrem dosing is actually very high! 4.5 grams twice a night is quite normal. It is essentially a knock-out dose.

Good lord. 4.5grams seems dangerous.

 

[Amu]

It has properties that impair memory/learning, and might be neurotoxic as well

[Effects of subchronic administration of gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB) on spatial working memory in rats]:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17296081

Effects of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid on spatial learning and memory in adolescent and adult female rats.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20460135

GHB-Induced Cognitive Deficits During Adolescence and the Role of NMDA Receptor.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21886597

 

[skillet]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2725257/?tool=pmcentrez

If GHB caused serious neurodegeneration in humans in responsible users, that should be reported in the study. It's used as a prescription drug in the form of Xyrem.

Serious neurodegeneration no, but I can't see anything in there that suggests they looked at cognitive performance before an extended period of use and after a period of abstinence, they just recorded obvious adverse effects. I can't find any study that's done that.

The rat data is interesting, but for some reason doesn't seem to apply to humans, or I'm sure we'd know about it. I wonder what the long term effects after quitting heavy GHB use might be, I'm sure a lot of people here have done it.

 

[Nexus298]

I am usually good with my Xyerem (9g/night)but this last month I needed a depressant drug to calm my nerves and it was always there. After 2 straight 2-3 g doses every few hours days it began to feel like the GHB only effected the GHB receptor (excess glutamate and dopamine) Phenibut, being a GABAB receptor agonist will elevate most discomfort.