The Use of Amphetamine in Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate Overdose: A Case Report

A case report of a male presenting with a gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) induced coma at a gay-oriented dance event is reported. A friend accompanying the patient reported that when the patient started to become stuporous, he attempted to revive him with intranasally administered aliquots of crystal methamphetamine. Such treatment partially counters the hypotonia of GHB induced coma, resulting in "automatic" movements by the patient; however, it does not reverse the cognitive effects of the drug. The result increases the difficulty of medical management. The authors report the physical findings and implications for increased difficulty in managing such patients.