Abstract
γ-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is widely abused in combination with other club drugs such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The objectives of this study were to characterize the effects of MDMA on GHB toxicokinetics/toxicodynamics (TK/TD) and evaluate the use of monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) inhibition as a potential treatment strategy for GHB overdose when GHB is abused with MDMA. Rats were administered GHB 400mg/kg i.v. alone or with MDMA (5mg/kg i.v). Effects of MDMA and of the MCT inhibitor, l-lactate, on GHB TK and sedative effects were evaluated. The results of this study demonstrated no significant effect of MDMA on GHB TK or TD. GHB plasma concentrations were unchanged, and GHB concentration–effect relationships, based on plasma and brain concentrations and the return-to-righting reflex (RRR), were similar in the presence and absence of MDMA. l-Lactate administration resulted in a significant decrease in the sedative effect (RRR) of GHB when it was coadministered with MDMA. Our results indicate that MDMA does not affect the TK/TD of GHB at the doses used in this study, and MCT inhibition using l-lactate, an effective overdose treatment strategy for GHB alone, is also effective for GHB overdose when GHB is coingested with MDMA.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
