Driving under the influence of GHB?

J Anal Toxicol. 1994 Oct;18(6):357-8. doi: 10.1093/jat/18.6.357.

Abstract

A driver was found asleep behind the steering wheel of his car, and the vehicle was at rest in a traffic lane with the engine running. His manifestations included horizontal and vertical gaze nystagmus, muscle flaccidity, and severe ataxia. He admitted ingesting a white powder, which he identified as an amino acid, about 1 hour prior to discovery by police. A urine specimen collected approximately 1 hour after the traffic stop contained 1975 mg/L of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). We tentatively conclude that GHB may cause impairment of the psychomotor skills required for safe operation of a motor vehicle.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Automobile Driving*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychomotor Performance / drug effects*
  • Sodium Oxybate / adverse effects*
  • Sodium Oxybate / urine

Substances

  • Sodium Oxybate