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r15-1996 13 42 FROM SAN FRANCISCO PRS TO 91.3089445252 P.06 U.E. D[~ARTMCNT O? H[AGTH AND HUMAN i[RVIC[s I~90-53 Food and Drug Adminisaation FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bill Grigg - (301) 443-32$5 Nov. 8, 2990 Donald McLearn -(301)443-4177 The Food and Drug Administration today warned consumers to dscontimre use of an illegally marketed drug -GHB or gamma hydroxybtttyric acid -that has been promoted as a "legal psychedelic" but has caused more than 30 people in California, Florida and Georgia to become ill with symptoms ranging from Nausea and vomiting to severe aspiratory problems, seiwres and coma. Health departments in those states have been working with the FDA to learn more about the Gi•IH-linked illnesses. Thus far, the investigation has uncovered strong evidence linking GHB coa~rmption to the illnesses. Gamma hydrozybutyric acid, also called sodium ozybate and gamma hydroxybutyrate sodium, is a chemical that is being promoted for strength training, body building, weight loss and as a replacement for L-tryptophaa, a food supplement that FDA ordered removed from the market last year after it was linked to a rare blood disorder. GHB has been need in Europe as an anesthetic adjunct and it is being evaluated in FDA-approved conical trials for the treatment of narcolepsy. The FAA offered co~a~~ the following medical advice: - Anyone taking GHB outside of physician-supervised cliniGd trials should stop immediately. Aupone who has consumed GHB and is experiencing seizures, uncontrolled shaking, headache, unexplained drowsiness or other central nervous system disorders, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea should coast It their physician immediately. Physicians treating patients exhibiting these conditions should report these cases to their local poison control center. According to the California health department, GHB is sold througt, mail order oudeu, health food stores, body building gyms and fitness centers. tt is marketed as aowder or granules.