Baclofen and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a dangerous combination

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Title:	Baclofen and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a dangerous combination
Author(s):	Kamal, R.M. ; Qurishi, R.; Jong, C.A.J. de
Publication year:	2015
Source:	Journal of Addiction Medicine, vol. 9, iss. 1, (2015), pp. 75-77
ISSN:	1932-0620
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1097/ADM.0000000000000084
Publication type:	Article / Letter to editor
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item : http://hdl.handle.net/2066/154622
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Subject:	Radboudumc 0: Other Research RIHS: Radboud Institute for Health Sciences
Organization:	Primary and Community Care
Journal title:	Journal of Addiction Medicine
Volume:	vol. 9
Issue:	iss. 1
Page start:	p. 75
Page end:	p. 77
Abstract:	Baclofen is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-beta receptor agonist with a muscle relaxant effect. It increases GABA activity and reduces the production of glutamate and dopamine. The GABA precursor gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) has gained popularity as a drug of abuse. For the first time, we report a case of a GHB-dependent patient, who ingested several days' doses of baclofen (80 mg) simultaneously with 0.3 L (215 g) of illicit GHB. Baclofen (40 mg/d) was prescribed to prevent relapse after a successful detoxification. The patient developed a rapid coma (E2M5V1 with oxygen support), bradypnea, and hypotonia. Physicians should be alert to the danger of this combination because of the hazards of coma and respiratory distress.