Toxicologie médico-légale et agonistes des récepteurs GABA

Abstract

The role of GABA agonists in forensic toxicology in France depends on its different areas of investigation. If the prevalence of GHB / GBL, baclofen and pregabalin is very low in toxic deaths, it is necessary to remain vigilant and to screen it systematically within the context of toxicological expertise because new uses can be individually dramatic as shown by the few annual fatal cases. However, the prevalence of conventional GABA agonists like alcohol and benzodiazepines remains high in toxic deaths, but is most often associated with other psychoactive substances. All GABA agonists can modify behavior. In driving, alcohol is always analyzed since it remains involved in 30 % of fatal accidents. In contrast, the involvement of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs is not well described, despite significant consumption, due to a lack of systematic analysis. In other forensic situations such as workplace accidents or acts of violence, toxicologists are also solicited to analyze ethanol and psychoactive drugs. Finally, in the field of Drug-facilitated crime GABA agonists are mainly involved because benzodiazepines or Z-drugs have for many years been in the top trio of substances listed in the annual national surveys.