Health effects

Short-term effects

The effects of GHB vary each time it is taken and it affects each person differently. Within 15 minutes of taking it, the user usually experiences feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Immediate effects may last up to three hours depending on how much was taken. Other effects include:

  • enhancement of senses, especially touch
  • increased confidence
  • increased sociability
  • nausea, dizziness and drowsiness
  • visual disturbances
  • headache
  • diarrhoea and urinary incontinence
  • memory impairment
  • tremors
  • decreased blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature. 

An increase in dosage can significantly alter the short-term effects. Feelings of euphoria are replaced by sedative effects which can last up to 48 hours. If the user takes GHB regularly, this period may be followed by withdrawal symptoms. Effects of higher doses include:

  • confusion
  • agitation
  • seizures
  • vomiting and nausea
  • muscle stiffening
  • disorientation
  • impairment of speech and body functioning
  • convulsions
  • sleepiness, unconsciousness or short-term coma
  • respiratory collapse and death.

There can be considerable variation in the purity and strength of GHB doses, and there is a very small difference between taking enough to achieve the desired effect and an overdose.

Hospitalisations have been reported after heavy use of GHB, with some cases resulting in death. Vomiting is common with overdoses and can result in the user choking. It is important to know that the effects of GHB are significantly heightened, and the likelihood of overdose increases when it is combined with other drugs, especially alcohol or other depressants.

GHB can increase libido and reduce inhibitions, increasing the risk of users engaging in unsafe sex. This increases risk of spreading diseases such as hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections. It also increases the risk of unplanned pregnancies.

Long-term effects

To date there has been little research into long-term effects of GHB on a user's health and social environment.