Consequences of 1,4-Butanediol Misuse: A Review

VYu Skryabin; YuB Shevtsova; E A Novoselova

Consequences of 1,4-Butanediol Misuse: A Review

Psychopharmacol Bull. 2023 Dec 4;53(4):48-53.

Authors

VYu Skryabin¹, YuB Shevtsova², E A Novoselova³

Affiliations

¹ Skryabin, MD, PhD, associate professor of addiction psychiatry department, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation.
² Shevtsova, MD, PhD, leading researcher, Moscow Research and Practical Centre on Addictions of the Moscow Department of Healthcare, Moscow, Russia.
³ Novoselova, MD, PhD, leading researcher, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.

PMID: 38076667
PMCID: PMC10698855 (available on 2024-12-04)

Abstract

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), along with its precursors, 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), are potent central depressant agents widely illicitly used for their euphoric and relaxant effects. The article presents a review of the literature on the 1,4-BD misuse, the clinical picture of intoxication, development of addiction and delirium. The available evidence shows that 1,4-BD is a substance with its own psychoactive effects, a high addiction potential and potentially severe withdrawal symptoms.

Keywords: 1,4-BD; 1,4-butanediol; GHB; addiction; precursors.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

4-Butyrolactone
Butylene Glycols / adverse effects
Humans
Sodium Oxybate* / adverse effects
Substance Withdrawal Syndrome*

Substances

1,4-butanediol
Sodium Oxybate
Butylene Glycols
4-Butyrolactone