Pharmacokinetics of gammahydroxybutyrate
(GHB) in narcoleptic patients
by
Scharf MB, Lai AA, Branigan B, Stover R, Berkowitz DB
Center For Research In Sleep Disorders,
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Sleep 1998 Aug 1; 21(5):507-14

ABSTRACT

Sodium gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an endogenous compound that has been under investigation in the management of narcolepsy for about two decades. The data confirm that GHB treatment decreases daytime sleepiness and episodes of cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations. The current study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of GHB, given twice in one night to six narcoleptic patients who had been chronically taking GHB nightly on a similar basis. Results confirmed earlier reports and showed nonlinear pharmacokinetics. Maximum concentrations were reached in 40 +/- 6.2 and 35.7 +/- 7 minutes after the first and second dose respectively. Mean AUCinf was 17731.6 +/- 4867 mg/mL/m. Mean GHB T1/2 was 53 +/- 19 minutes. GHB elimination appears to be capacity-limited in some patients when administered at a fixed dose of 3 g twice nightly at a 4-hour interval.

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Dopamine
GHB and GABA
GHB withdrawal
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A GHB receptor?
Drugs and reward
GHB and the brain
GHB and alcoholism
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The pleasure and the pain
GHB (Xyrem) and narcolepsy
GHB: use, abuse and withdrawal
GHB as a signalling molecule in brain
GHB (Xyrem): tolerance and withdrawal
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Xyrem (sodium oxybate/GHB): prescribing information (PDF)

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