Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a compound used in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal, narcolepsy, and for induction of anaesthesia. It is also contained in many products illegally marketed as “dietary supplements” and is increasingly being recognised as a potential drug of abuse. We report the case of a 44-year-old man who suffered coma and life-threatening respiratory depression following an accidental overdose of the GHB prodrug, gamma-butyro-lactone (GBL), contained in a “health drink”. He made a full recovery following appropriate supportive treatment. GHB toxicity should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with altered mental state, particularly where there is a history of recreational drug abuse.
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