Research article summary (published 30 Aug 2009):

[Withdrawal syndrome after abuse of GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate) and its physiological precursors - its relevance for child and adolescent psychiatrists]

(Entzugsdelir nach Missbrauch von GHB-(Gamma-Hydroxybutyrat) und seiner Vorstufen: Grundlagen und Bedeutung für die Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie.)

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: The chronic abuse of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) as a designer drug as well as it's physiological precursors Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-Butandiole (1,4-BD) confronts child and adolescent psychiatrists with new challenges. The acute withdrawal of GHB with its cardiovascular and delirant symptoms is of particular importance for child and adolescent psychiatrists. METHODS: In the present paper theoretical and biological aspects of acute GHB-/GBL-/1,4-BD-withdrawal syndrome are presented, and selected cases are discussed as regards potential treatment. RESULTS: High dose treatment with benzodiazepines was successful in some cases of acute GHB-/GBL-/1,4-BD-withdrawal syndrome. Complications were severe dystonia under neuroleptic treatment, and also side-effects of treatment with benzodiazepines. Further problems were vegetative symptoms, electrocardiographic changes, rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, and death. CONCLUSION: Acute GHB-withdrawal syndrome is a life-threatening condition which requires immediate intensive care treatment along with continuous monitoring of vital parameters. As acute GHB-withdrawal syndrome can present with symptoms close to psychotic episodes or acute alcohol withdrawal this condition is relevant for child and adolescent psychiatrists.

Author information

Author/s: Zepf, Florian D (FD); Holtmann, Martin (M); Duketis, Eftichia (E); Maier, Joachim (J); Radeloff, Daniel (D); Schirman, Shella (S); Wagner, Angela (A); Poustka, Fritz (F); Wöckel, Lars (L);

Affiliation: Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie, RWTH Universität Aachen, Aachen. fzepf(-atsign-)ukaachen.de

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: English Abstract; Journal Article; Review

Journal: Zeitschrift für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Psychotherapie (Z Kinder Jugendpsychiatr Psychother), published in Switzerland. (Language: ger)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 37 (issue 5) : pp 413-20

Dates: Created 2009/09/09; Completed 2009/11/16;

PMID: 19739059, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 11/16/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

4-Butyrolactone - adverse effects Acute Disease Adolescent Anesthetics, Intravenous - adverse effects Antipsychotic Agents - adverse effects; therapeutic use Benzodiazepines - adverse effects; therapeutic use Butylene Glycols - adverse effects Child Delusions - chemically induced; diagnosis; drug therapy

Delusions - chemically induced; diagnosis; drug therapy Diagnosis, Differential Drug Interactions Humans Intensive Care Psychoses, Substance-Induced - diagnosis; drug therapy Sodium Oxybate - adverse effects Substance Withdrawal Syndrome - diagnosis; drug therapy Substance-Related Disorders - rehabilitation

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

Associated Chemicals: Anesthetics, Intravenous (0) ; Antipsychotic Agents (0) ; Butylene Glycols (0) ; 1,4-butanediol (110-63-4) ; Benzodiazepines (12794-10-4) ; Sodium Oxybate (502-85-2) ; 4-Butyrolactone (96-48-0)

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