[Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its lactone (GBL) as psychoactive substances].

Gammabutyrolactone is included in the solvent such as wheel cleaners, pesticides, cosmetics, drugs. After ingestion GBL is converted to gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Both substances are classified as so called "club drugs" and their action is characterized by euphoria, sedation, and induction of retrograde amnesia of events. These activities were basis for the use of GHB and its lactone as rape pill. Acute poisoning with these compounds causes confusion, agitation, ataxia, nausea, vomiting, nystagmus, dyskinesia, hallucinations, coma, irregular breathing, hypothermia, bradycardia, hypotension, convulsions, respiratory paralysis and thus respiratory arrest. These substances carry a risk of development of physical addiction of the hard proceeding of abstinence syndrome. In the USA there is a ban on the sale and promotion of these compounds. In Poland despite the fact that GHB is a controlled substance, there is no regulation of GBL trading. The aim of this paper is to summarize current knowledge regarding the pharmacology, impact on the human body, toxicity, and the effects of chronic abuse of these substances.