Is Xyrem and GHB the same thing ?

Patient11

Just wondering if there is any real difference between Xyrem and GHB or are they basically the same thing ?


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma-Hydroxybutyric_acid

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_oxybate

mrkiscool2

Xyrem is the salt that contains GHB. GHB is the acid in Xyrem, and the active ingredient when used as a medicinal drug. Only difference between Xyrem and GHB is the sodium which deprotonates the acid and forms a salt.

Patient11

mrkiscool2 wrote: »

Xyrem is the salt that contains GHB. GHB is the acid in Xyrem, and the active ingredient when used as a medicinal drug. Only difference between Xyrem and GHB is the sodium which deprotonates the acid and forms a salt.

If someone was to take GHB instead of Xyrem would they notice any difference ?

mrkiscool2

Patient11 wrote: »

If someone was to take GHB instead of Xyrem would they notice any difference ?

If we are talking GHB and Xyrem in their purest forms, absolutely not. Again, GHB is just the main agent in Xyrem. However, if the decision is between GHB found at parties and raves vs Xyrem, which is under strict control by medical boards and is very rarely prescribed except for certain conditions, absolutely. Purity and the dosage would be far different in GHB then Xyrem. If one was taking it medically, I would advise to stick with the Xyrem prescription. if one has gotten addicted to the Xyrem prescription, talk to a GP. However, if one is trying to substitute Xyrem for GHB in recreational use, the dosage, purity and what the Xyrem is mixed with would make that harder to get a high from.

Also, be aware that GHB may be cut with other harmful substances and bonded to different metals to deprotonate the acid to form the liquid in recreational situations.

Patient11

Xyrem medication costs over 100k a year.

I wonder how they can justify the cost when GHB is so inexpensive to make.