Club drugs: methylenedioxymethamphetamine, flunitrazepam, ketamine hydrochloride, and gamma-hydroxybutyrate
American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy June 1, 2002 Kelly M. Smith, Lisa L. Larive, Frank Romanelli 226 citations
Club drugs such as MDMA (ecstasy), flunitrazepam, ketamine hydrochloride, and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) are increasingly used by young people in social settings like all-night dance parties. MDMA increases neurotransmitter release, producing euphoria and heightened energy but also causing agitation, anxiety, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure; severe effects include arrhythmias, hyperthermia, and muscle breakdown. Flunitrazepam, a potent benzodiazepine, can cause loss of muscle control and consciousness at high doses. Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, interacts with NMDA receptors and may lead to confusion, hostility, and cardiovascular or respiratory toxicity. GHB, a fatty acid derivative, can cause amnesia, seizures, coma, and death. Flunitrazepam, ketamine, and GHB have been used to facilitate sexual assault. Supportive care is the main treatment for intoxication.