Pharmacological Treatment of GHB Withdrawal Syndrome
Détails
Etat: Public
Version: Final published version
Licence: CC BY 4.0
ID Serval
serval:BIB_F48F31201399
Type
Article: article d'un périodique ou d'un magazine.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Titre
Pharmacological Treatment of GHB Withdrawal Syndrome
Périodique
Current Addiction Reports
ISSN
2196-2952
Statut éditorial
Publié
Date de publication
2024
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
11
Pages
163–171
Langue
anglais
Résumé
Purpose of Review
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an illicit drug used for many reasons: during music festivals or parties, for self-management of sleep and anxiety, or in combination with other drugs to facilitate chemsex. Most people who use GHB do so occasionally, without harm. However, a minority of users experience dependence or withdrawal symptoms. GHB withdrawal syndrome often has a specific course, with rapid onset and swift progression of severe complications. In this narrative review, we aimed to summarize recent evidence related to the pharmacological treatment of GHB withdrawal syndrome.
Recent Findings
The management of GHB withdrawal syndrome is challenging due to the lack of specific evaluation tools and pharmacological treatment guidelines. From current findings, two pharmacological regimens could be considered for inpatients and outpatients with GHB dependence during detoxification: benzodiazepines and pharmaceutical GHB.
Summary
Few detoxification protocols for GHB or its analogs have been reported in the literature. The main available evidence is based on case studies and uncontrolled open-label studies, which support the efficacy of pharmacological interventions, notably high-dose benzodiazepines and titration and tapering with pharmaceutical GHB, for the management of GHB withdrawal. Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and baclofen might also represent new therapeutic options. Future research should examine these pharmacological interventions with large-scale randomized trials, withdrawal scales, or validated treatment protocols.
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an illicit drug used for many reasons: during music festivals or parties, for self-management of sleep and anxiety, or in combination with other drugs to facilitate chemsex. Most people who use GHB do so occasionally, without harm. However, a minority of users experience dependence or withdrawal symptoms. GHB withdrawal syndrome often has a specific course, with rapid onset and swift progression of severe complications. In this narrative review, we aimed to summarize recent evidence related to the pharmacological treatment of GHB withdrawal syndrome.
Recent Findings
The management of GHB withdrawal syndrome is challenging due to the lack of specific evaluation tools and pharmacological treatment guidelines. From current findings, two pharmacological regimens could be considered for inpatients and outpatients with GHB dependence during detoxification: benzodiazepines and pharmaceutical GHB.
Summary
Few detoxification protocols for GHB or its analogs have been reported in the literature. The main available evidence is based on case studies and uncontrolled open-label studies, which support the efficacy of pharmacological interventions, notably high-dose benzodiazepines and titration and tapering with pharmaceutical GHB, for the management of GHB withdrawal. Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and baclofen might also represent new therapeutic options. Future research should examine these pharmacological interventions with large-scale randomized trials, withdrawal scales, or validated treatment protocols.
Mots-clé
GHB, Withdrawal, Treatment, Addiction, Chemsex
Web of science
Open Access
Oui
Financement(s)
Université de Lausanne
Création de la notice
27/01/2024 19:44
Dernière modification de la notice
16/02/2024 8:58