Relative Abuse Liability of γ-Hydroxybutyric Acid, Flunitrazepam, and Ethanol in Club Drug Users
Sergio Abanades, Magı́ Farré, Diego Barral, Marta Torrens, Neus Closas, Klaus Langohr, Antoni Pastor, Rafael de la Torre
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology December 1, 2007 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0b013e31815a2542 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Double-blind Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | Healthy male recreational users of GHB |
| Interventions | GHB ethanol flunitrazepam |
| Dose | 40 or 60 mg/kg GHB, 0.7 g/kg ethanol, 1.25 mg flunitrazepam |
| Keywords | Flunitrazepam Abuse liability Drug Pharmacology Benzodiazepine |
| Citations | 69 |
| Key findings | GHB and flunitrazepam both have high abuse liability, with GHB producing euphoria and pleasurable effects slightly higher than flunitrazepam and ethanol. |
Abstract
Objectives: Despite the increasing concern about gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) toxicity, there are few studies examining the clinical pharmacology of GHB and its abuse potential. To evaluate GHB-induced subjective and physiological effects, its relative abuse liability and its impact on psychomotor performance in club drug users.
Materials and Methods: Twelve healthy male recreational users of GHB participated in 5 experimental sessions in the framework of a clinical trial. The study was randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, and crossover. Drug conditions were a single oral dose of GHB (40 or 60 mg/kg), ethanol (0.7 g/kg), flunitrazepam (1.25 mg), and placebo. Study variables included vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oral temperature, pupil diameter), psychomotor performance (digit symbol substitution test, balance, Maddox-Wing), subjective effects (a set of 13 visual analogue scales, Addiction Research Center Inventory-49 items, and Evaluation of the Subjective Effects of Substances with Potential of Abuse questionnaires), and pharmacokinetics.
Results: All active conditions induced positive effects related to their abuse potential. The administration of GHB produced euphoria and pleasurable effects with slightly higher ratings than those observed for flunitrazepam and ethanol. Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid induced a biphasic time profile with an initial stimulant-like effect related to the simultaneous rise of plasma concentrations and a latter sedative effect not related to GHB kinetics. Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid increased blood pressure and pupil diameter. Ethanol induced its prototypical effects, and flunitrazepam produced marked sedation. Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid and flunitrazepam impaired psychomotor performance, digit symbol substitution test, and balance task, whereas ethanol, at the dose tested, induced only mild effects exclusively affecting the balance task.
Conclusions: Our results suggest a high abuse liability of GHB and flunitrazepam in club drug users.