TThis fact sheet has been developed to support the community to know the signs of an overdose and to appropriately respond to an overdose in which GHB is involved.
GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) is a central nervous system depressant. It is sometimes prescribed in rare medical settings, but it is more commonly used as an illicit drug. At low doses, GHB can cause relaxation, lowered inhibitions, and euphoria. At higher doses, it can quickly become dangerous, causing vomiting, loss of consciousness, seizures, or even death. Because the difference between a “recreational” dose and an overdose can be very small, the risk of overdose with GHB is high.
Signs of overdose:
GHB slows brain activity and depresses the central nervous system. High doses can shut down the body’s ability to stay awake, breathe normally, or maintain a regular heart rate. This can lead to unconsciousness, coma, brain damage, or death.
Signs of GHB overdose can include:
- No response to stimuli
- Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing
- A person can seem like they are sleeping but can’t be woken up
- Vomiting or seizures
- Grey/ashen or olive-green lips if a person has a dark skin tone; blue lips if a person has a pale skin tone
- Cold or clammy skin
- Floppy or rigid body
If you cannot get a response from someone, do not assume they are asleep. Deep unresponsiveness, shallow breathing, or vomiting while unconscious are common signs of GHB overdose. Do not let people at risk ‘sleep it off’.
Overdose response:
Sometimes it can take hours for someone to die from a GHB overdose, but immediate action could save a life. If you think someone has overdosed, knowing how to respond is crucial:
- Follow the DRS ABCD order of first aid. Before you act, check for Dangers.
- Check for a response (AVPU consciousness scale – Alert, respond to Voice prompt, responds to Pain prompt-only, or Unconscious).
- Send for help by calling an ambulance. Stay on the line with emergency services.
- Put the person in the recovery position to protect the Airway or, if a person is trained and comfortable doing so, apply first aid including rescue Breaths, CPR/Compressions, Defibrillation.
⚠️ Note: Naloxone does not reverse GHB overdose. Emergency medical help is essential.