Effect of ?-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) on driving as measured by a driving simulator.

ABSTRACT: RATIONALE:Gamma-hydroxybutyrate acid (GHB), a GABAB receptor agonist approved for treatment of narcolepsy, impairs driving ability, but little is known about doses and plasma concentrations associated with impairment and time course of recovery. OBJECTIVE:To assess effects of oral GHB (Xyrem®) upon driving as measured by a driving simulator, and to determine plasma concentrations associated with impairment and the time course of recovery. METHODS:Randomized, double-blind, two-arm crossover study, during which 16 participants received GHB 50 mg/kg orally or placebo. GHB blood samples were collected prior to and at 1, 3, and 6 h post dosing. Driving simulator sessions occurred immediately after blood sampling. RESULTS:Plasma GHB was not detectable at baseline or 6 h post dosing. Median GHB concentrations at 1 and 3 h were 83.1 mg/L (range 54-110) and 24.4 mg/L (range 7.2-49.7), respectively. Compared to placebo, at 1 h post GHB dosing, significant differences were seen for the life-threatening outcome collisions (p?

SUBMITTER: Liakoni E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6457903 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature