Éxtasis líquido: estructura, farmacología, efectos adversos y mecanismos de acción

Abstract

ObjectiveGamma hydroxybutyric acid, known as «liquid ecstasy», is a drug of abuse which has been increasingly consumed in recent years. The aim of this revision is to examine the main pharmacological and adverse effects of the drug. It is important to point out that GHB is not a psychostimulant. The reason for it being included in this series of articles on psychostimulant drugs is to provide sufficient information to enable the reader to distinguish between the characteristics of «liquid ecstasy» and those of the amphetamine derivative «ecstasy». Material and methodsThe pharmacological and adverse effects of Gamma hydroxybutyric acid are reviewed. ResultsGHB in mainly consumed because of its relaxant, euphoric and disinhibitory effects although there have also been reports proposing anabolic effects and effectiveness in the treatment of insomnia. However, it also produces sedation and amnesia as well as a pronounced bradycardia and hypotension. Of especial importance are the appearance, with small increments in dosage, of anaesthesia and reversible coma and the potentiation of the effects when taken with ethanol, a drug with which GHB is commonly consumed. ConclusionsGHB is a drug of abuse of recent appearance on the market. Its main sought-after effects are relaxation, euphoria and loss of inhibition and its main adverse effects are those related to CNS depression.