Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a chemical that is found in the brain and made in a lab. It has sedative effects. It’s illegal for use in dietary supplements.

GHB acts on several nerve pathways in the brain and has been used in drug-facilitated sexual assault and as a party drug. Due to safety concerns, it is a Schedule I controlled substance, making it illegal.
A prescription form of GHB called sodium oxybate (Xyrem) is used for treating excessive daytime sleepiness (narcolepsy). People also use GHB for alcohol use disorder, opioid withdrawal, depression, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.