Clinical Signs of Dyer et al for Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) Withdrawal

 

Clinical features:

(1) history of frequent intake of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) several times a day, often done to alleviate symptoms of withdrawal

(2) onset of withdrawal symptoms within a few hours of the last dose of GHB

 

Signs and symptoms tend to progress through 3 phases:

(1) early onset during the first 24 hours of withdrawal

(2) full-blown and progressive, lasting from 1 to 6 days

(3) episodic during a gradual recovery lasting up to 2 weeks

 

Major symptoms:

(1) agitation, anxiety and restlessness

(2) insomnia

(3) confusion and/or delirium

(4) psychosis with auditory, tactile and/or visual hallucinations

 

Other symptoms:

(1) tremor

(2) tachycardia

(3) hypertension

(4) nausea and vomiting

(5) diaphoresis