Overview

Gamma butyrolactone (GBL) is a chemical in cleaning solutions and nail polish. In the body, GBL is converted to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a date-rape drug.

When the body converts GBL into GHB, it can turn off some functions of the nervous system.

Despite serious safety concerns, people use GBL as a party drug, for athletic performance, depression, and other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

GBL is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, making it illegal in the US. Don't confuse GBL with Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) or 1,4-Butanediol. These chemicals are related but are not the same.



Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL) overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: GBL is unsafe. It can cause very serious side effects, including seizures, coma, and death.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: GBL is unsafe. It can cause very serious side effects, including seizures, coma, and death.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: GBL is unsafe for anyone when taken by mouth, including those who are pregnant and breast-feeding. Avoid use.

Slow heart rate: GBL can make this condition worse. Avoid use.

Seizure disorder (epilepsy): GBL might cause seizures. Avoid use.

Surgery: GBL can affect the central nervous system (CNS). It might cause too much sleepiness if it is used along with anesthesia and other medications during and after surgery. GBL should not be used in the two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

A rare disorder called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency: People with this condition are at a greater risk for serious adverse reactions from GBL. Avoid use.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Alcohol (Ethanol) interacts with Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL)

    Alcohol can cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking GBL along with alcohol might greatly increase sleepiness and drowsiness caused by alcohol and lead to serious side effects. Do not take GBL if you have been drinking.

  • Amphetamines interacts with Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL)

    Amphetamines are drugs that can speed up the nervous system. GBL is changed in the body to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). GHB can slow down the nervous system. Taking GBL along with amphetamines can lead to serious side effects.

  • Medications for pain (Narcotic drugs) interacts with Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL)

    Some medications for pain can cause sleepiness and drowsiness. GBL might also cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking GBL along with some medications for pain might cause severe side effects. Do not take GBL if you are taking medications for pain.

  • Medications used to prevent seizures (Anticonvulsants) interacts with Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL)

    GBL may increase the risk of seizures. Therefore, taking GBL may decrease the effects of medications used to prevent seizures. This might increase the risk of seizures.

  • Naloxone (Narcan) interacts with Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL)

    GBL is changed by the body to another chemical that can affect the brain. Taking naloxone along with GBL might decrease the effects of naloxone.

  • Ritonavir (Norvir) interacts with Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL)

    Taking ritonavir with GBL might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of GBL. This could increase the effects of GBL and cause serious side effects.

  • Saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase) interacts with Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL)

    Taking saquinavir with GBL might decrease how fast the body gets rid of GBL. This could increase the effects of GBL and cause serious side effects.

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL)

    GBL might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking GBL with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

  • Divalproex sodium (Depakote) interacts with Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL)

    Taking divalproex sodium at the same time as GBL might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of GBL. This could cause serious side effects.

  • Topiramate (Topamax) interacts with Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL)

    Taking topiramate plus GBL might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of GBL. This could cause serious side effects.

Dosing

Although it is illegal in the US, GBL has been used as a party and date-rape drug. GBL is unsafe. Any use runs the risk of serious side effects, including seizures, coma, and death.
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