Citation

Caldicott DG, Kuhn M. Ann. Emerg. Med. 2001; 37(1): 99-102.

Affiliation

Emergency Department, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, American College of Emergency Physicians, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1067/mem.2001.111642

PMID

11145779

Abstract

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate was introduced as an anesthetic agent in the 1960s and is still used in some countries, despite recognized disadvantages. More recently, it has emerged as a popular recreational drug. We report 3 cases of gamma-hydroxybutyrate overdose, the effects of which were reversed by the administration of low-dose intravenous physostigmine. The origins of this regimen and the case for physostigmine as a potential antidote are described.

Language: en