GHB is Used to Treat Narcolepsy

Sodium Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate otherwise know as GHB or the "date rape" drug is making a comeback. Legally. GHB has been under investigation for nearly 2 decades.

First synthesized in the 1960's by French researcher Dr. Laborit, GHB was originally designed to be used as a general anesthetic. With time, GHB proved to be helpful in other areas as well. GHB was given to women in labor to increase the strength of their contractions, decrease the pain they were experiencing and help dilation of the cervix. Alcoholics suffering through withdrawal also found relief as well as people with insomnia.

GHB is a normal component of our metabolism and until 1990 was sold legally over the counter mostly to bodybuilders as a dietary supplement.

Because the drug was legal and easily attainable, it became a problem. In the hands of kids, people died. It happened to Samantha Reid. She and 2 girlfriends, age 15 went to a party hosted by other 15 year olds in a house with parents away for the weekend. Two of the girls had trouble breathing and were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Samantha died 18 hours later. In 2000 the drug was banned under the Samantha Reid date rape prohibition act.

According to Drug Enforcement, GHB is to blame for at least 58 deaths and 5,700 recorded overdoses since 1990.

In June of 2001 the FDA recommended approval of the altered drug to be sold as Xyrem.

Xyrem is targeted toward people suffering from the sleeping disorder narcolepsy. According to Scientific American, narcolepsy affects approximately 140,000 people in the U.S. The drug will not help people stay awake, rather it will concentrate on another symptom called cataplexy. Cataplexy 60%-90% of people with narcolepsy and effects the muscles in the body. Usually triggered by strong emotion such as laughter, surprise, anger causes people to drop things and stumble.

Research suggest Xyrem could reduce cataplexy attacks by up to 70%. (Lynne Lamberg)