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

J Addict Med. 2015 Jan-Feb;9(1):75-7. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000084.

Abstract

Baclofen is a γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-β receptor agonist with a muscle relaxant effect. It increases GABA activity and reduces the production of glutamate and dopamine. The GABA precursor γ-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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Baclofen / adverse effects*
  • Coma / chemically induced*
  • Female
  • GABA-B Receptor Agonists / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Muscle Hypotonia / chemically induced*
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Sodium Oxybate / adverse effects*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • GABA-B Receptor Agonists
  • Sodium Oxybate
  • Baclofen