Gamma-butyrolactone

Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) is a colorless, oily liquid industrial chemical and prodrug that is rapidly converted in the body to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a central nervous system depressant. GBL itself is not pharmacologically active but exerts its effects through conversion to GHB by paraoxonase (lactonase) enzymes in the blood. The resulting GHB acts as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in the brain and produces dose-dependent depressant effects similar to barbiturates and methaqualone. These include drowsiness, nausea, visual distortion at low doses; unconsciousness, seizures, respiratory depression, coma or death at high doses. Chronic use can lead to addiction. Despite being illegal in many countries due to safety concerns and abuse potential—especially as a recreational drug—GBL has been used illicitly for athletic performance enhancement, sleep aid, sexual performance improvement, stress relief and other purposes[1][2][4][5][8].

Brand names

Reviva

Other names

1,2-Butanolide2,3-dihydro furanone2(3H)-Furanone Dihydro3-Hydroxybutyric Acid Lactone4-Butanolide4-Butyrolactone4-Hydroxybutanoic Acid LactoneAcide 4-Hydroxybutanoïque LactoneButyrolactoneButyrolactone GammaDihydro-2(3H)-FuranoneGamma ButirolactonaGamma Hydroxybutyric Acid LactoneTetrahydro-2-FuranoneTetrahydro2-FuranoneTetrahydro 2-Furanone