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GHB (sodium salt) (exempt preparation) (Item No. 15661) is an analytical reference standard categorized as a CNS depressant. GHB is a metabolite of γ-butyrolactone (Item No. 18706). It has a high potential for abuse. GHB is regulated as a Schedule I compound in the United States. GHB (sodium salt) (exempt preparation) (Item No. 15661) is provided as a DEA exempt preparation. This product is intended for research and forensic applications.

Xyrem is distributed by Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Palo Alto, CA). It is an oral solution of sodium oxybate prescribed for narcoleptic patients to treat extreme daytime sleepiness and cataplexy. Xyrem is also known as sodium oxybate which is the same as gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a drug of abuse. GHB is endogenously produced and present in the central nervous system (CNS) in small concentrations. Accidental overdosing has led to many hospitalizations and deaths. Because of the tendency to abuse GHB, it was classified as a schedule I controlled substance. This meant that GHB had a high potential for abuse and no medical purpose. However, in 2002, because of a series of clinical trials that demonstrated that the compound reduces cataplexy attacks, it was approved for use under the trademark Xyrem. Since GHB had previously been used as a ‘date-rape’ drug, Xyrem is considered a schedule III controlled substance and is distributed in accordance with strict FDA regulations. Xyrem may only be ordered through the ‘Xyrem Success Program.’ Illegal use is punishable under federal and state laws.

white crystalline powder

4-Hydroxybutyric acid sodium salt is an agonist to both GHB and GABAB neural receptors, exhibiting neurotransmitter-like effects. It has been used as a general anesthetic in treatment for sleep disorders and clinical depression, but also has been identified as a “date rape drug”.

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Xyrem is used as a prescription drug for the treatment of cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy. It can also be used illegally for recreational purposes as well as drug-facilitated sexual assault.

The substance is related to γ-aminobutyric acid, a cerebral metabolite that is supposed to be sleep inducing. When given i.p., it produces a shallow anesthesia (tolerance stage a: paralysis of the spinal cord and mesencephalon, slight relaxation of the muscles) that resembles natural sleep as seen via the electroencephalograph. It is employed as an anesthetic during labor and in combination anesthesia with nitrous oxide, barbiturates, or neuroleptanalgesics.

Xyrem (Jazz).

Xyrem is a water-soluble white to off-white powder, which can be disposed by dumping the oral solution down the sanitary sewer system. This is the preferred method of disposal for drugs which have a high potential for abuse and/or accidental overdose.

GHB is endogenously present in the brain and at low concentrations binds to GHB receptors that are excitatory. This effect can cause euphoria, making it a drug of abuse at ‘rave’ parties. However, at higher concentrations, Xyrem is a CNS depressant and this is the main mechanism of its toxicity. The negative effects are mediated by the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)B receptors. The maximum stimulation of these receptors by GHB is w69% when compared to the binding of a GABAB receptor agonist. Therefore, the drug appears to be a weak agonist of the GABA-binding site of GABAB receptors. Overdose can lead to respiratory arrest and death. The combined use of other sedative hypnotic agents or alcohol can exacerbate the toxicity of Xyrem.