Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) | Uses, Abuse Potential, Effects, & Warnings

Gamma-butyrolactone, or GBL, is a chemical precursor to gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB). 

GBL actually converts to GHB inside the body and significantly affects nerves in the brain. As club drugs, both GHB and GBL can lead to sedation and coma and have been associated with sexual assault as date rape drugs.

GBL is also abused as a recreational drug or for illicit use due to its euphoric qualities. This can lead to dependence, addiction, and/or overdose which can ultimately lead to death.

Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) Uses

GBL has a number of industrial and consumer uses. It can be found in solvents that are in paint strippers, nail polish removers, stain removers, cleaners, and adhesives.

Unfortunately, people also use it as an illicit drug. It’s typically used as a substitute for GHB (also known as liquid ecstasy) and is used in the manufacturing of GHB. 

GBL is typically abused because it works like a central nervous system depressant and can lead to euphoria and sedation.

People also use it to try to improve athletic performance and bodybuilding, release growth hormone, get better sleep, relieve depression and stress, and relax.

Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) Abuse Potential

Like GHB, GBL is an addictive substance. Unlike GHB, which is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, GBL is not classified under the Controlled Substances Act.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies GBL as a List 1 chemical. This means that while it can have a legitimate use, it is used to manufacture a controlled substance (in this case, GHB). 

The FDA and DEA see GBL as a serious threat to public safety because of what the drug can do on its own and also because of what it can create.

Street Names For GBL

When used recreationally or sold on the street, GBL can be called a few different things.

Some of the street names for GBL include:

• blue nitro
• blue nitro vitality
• revivarant
• fire water
• gamma-g
• GH revitalize

Effects Of Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL)

Beyond euphoria and sedation, GBL comes with a few side effects. At low doses, the side effects can be relatively mild. At high doses, the effects of GBL can be severe and made even worse when mixed with alcohol and opioids like morphine and heroin. 

The side effects of GBL may include:

• inability to control bowels
• reduced inhibitions
• vomiting
• mental health/mood changes
• sedation
• drowsiness/sleepiness
• agitation
• memory loss
• slowed breathing
• increased heart rate
• increase in blood pressure
• fainting
• seizures
• coma

Warnings Of GBL Use

GBL can be dangerous when the drug is abused. Warnings of use include heart problems, addiction, and drug overdose.

Heart Problems

Because GBL use can increase both heart rate and blood pressure, anyone who already has an irregular heart rate or high blood pressure may have an increased risk of more severe heart issues like heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia, and heart disease.

Dependence & Addiction

If GBL is taken over a long period of time, you can become dependent on it. This means that your body will no longer function properly without it, and if you do try to stop using it after a dependence has been built up, withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, tremors, and anxiety can occur.

Once you build up a dependence on GBL, addiction is likely developed. GBL addiction is defined by continuing to use the drug despite harmful consequences to your health and life.

GBL Overdose

If you take high doses of GBL or mix it with benzodiazepines, alcohol, or CNS depressants, overdose may occur. 

GBL overdose can lead to respiratory depression, coma, and even death. If you or a loved one show any signs of overdose, call 911 immediately. A GBL overdose can be fatal if it’s left untreated by healthcare professionals.

If you or a loved one is struggling with GBL abuse or addiction, please contact us today to learn how we can help.