|
GHB is a central nervous system depressant and a precursor to the neurotransmitter GABA, the same transmitter affected by other sedatives. It is in the sedative-hypnotic family of drugs and was originally developed as an adjunct to anesthesia in the 1970s. It was unpredictable and ineffective so never became widely used in the medical community. It then became popular in the 1980s in health food stores, training gyms, and fitness centers. It was never proven to increase the metabolic rate as purported, and the FDA stated in 1990 that it was illegal and dangerous. Sales were banned in November 1990.
Under the Date-Rape Drug Prohibition Act of 2000, regulation tightened. GHB was classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. This Act made it illegal for Americans to produce, sell, or possess GHB except for medical use. This led to an increase in illegally synthesized GHB and became known as a “rave” and “date rape” drug. [28]
|
