GHB • Back to Main Page GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) occurs naturally in the body in very small amounts. When taken in large doses or when mixed with other drugs, it can be extremely dangerous. GHB, also known as G or liquid X, is a depressant, which means it slows the body systems down. Your heart rate decreases, body temperature lowers, and breathing rate slows down.  When taken in large doses, GHB can cause the victim to lose consciousness; it could cause permanent brain damage, coma and even death.  GHB is most commonly a clear odourless liquid. Users experience feelings of euphoria and sedation. Because of its sedative properties, GHB has been used as a date rape drug.  The effects of GHB can be felt between 10 and 20 minutes of ingesting the drug. Symptoms can last up to four hours and some people continue to feel the sedative effects for days after taking the drug.  Very little is known about the long-term effects of this drug.  Reference: CAMH: Do You Know…GHB National Institute on Drug Abuse To the top