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Butanediol

Butanediol (butanediol) is a chemical used in the manufacture of paint thinners and other solvent products. It is not permitted to sell butanediol for medical purposes. Nevertheless, butanediol is sometimes used as a substitute for other illegal substances such as gamma butyrolactone (GBL) and gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Unfortunately, butanediol is just as dangerous as GBL and GHB. Butanediol is used by some people to stimulate growth hormone production and muscle growth, as well as to help with weight loss and sleep problems.

How does butanediol work?

Butanediol is converted into gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in the body. GHB slows down brain function, which can lead to a loss of consciousness and a dangerous slowing of breathing and other vital functions. In addition, GHB stimulates the release of growth hormone.

How effective is butanediol?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of butanediol for stimulating growth hormone production and muscle growth, promoting weight loss and for use in sleep problems. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of butanediol in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Butanediol is not safe or harmless. It has already caused serious illness and over 100 deaths. Some of the side effects of butanediol include serious breathing problems, coma amnesia, argumentativeness, confusion, agitation, vomiting, seizures and very slow heartbeat. People who use butanediol regularly may experience withdrawal symptoms such as sleep problems, tremors and anxiety when they stop taking it.

Precautions and warnings

Although butanediol is not safe or safe for anyone, some people are at an even higher risk of side effects. Particular caution should be exercised when using butanediol if you belong to one of the following groups of people:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: butanediol is not safe and harmless for either the mother or the child, which is why pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use butanediol under any circumstances.

A heart rate that is too slow (bradycardia): Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a chemical that is produced in the body when butanediol is broken down. GHB can slow down the heart rate and further aggravate an existing bradycardia.

Epilepsy: Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a chemical produced in the body when butanediol is broken down. GHB can cause seizures and aggravate existing epilepsy.

High blood pressure: Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a chemical that is produced in the body when butanediol is broken down. GHB can increase blood pressure and worsen pre-existing high blood pressure.

Operations: Butanediol can slow down the function of the central nervous system. Anesthetics and some other drugs used during surgery have the same effect. There are concerns that the use of butanediol in conjunction with these drugs may slow central nervous system function too much and cause extreme drowsiness. For this reason, the use of butanediol should be discontinued at least 2 weeks before upcoming operations.

Interactions

Butanediol should not be used in combination with the following drugs:

Amphetamines

Amphetamines can accelerate the function of the nervous system. Butanediol is converted into GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) in the body. GHB can slow down the function of the nervous system. A combination of butanediol with amphetamines can lead to serious side effects.

Medication for the treatment of mental disorders (antipsychotics)

Butanediol can affect the brain. Medications used to treat mental disorders also affect the brain. Taking butanediol in combination with such medications could increase the effects and side effects of butanediol. For this reason, butanediol should not be used when taking medication to treat mental disorders.

Painkillers (narcotics)

Some painkillers can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Butanediol could also cause drowsiness and dizziness. Taking butanediol in combination with some painkillers can cause serious side effects. For this reason, butanediol should not be used when taking painkillers.

Sedatives (benzodiazepines and CNS suppressants)

Butanediol may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Drugs that cause drowsiness and dizziness are called sedatives. Taking butanediol in combination with sedatives could cause serious side effects. For this reason, butanediol should not be used when taking sedatives.

Care should be taken when combining Butanediol with the following medications:

Alcohol

Alcohol can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Taking butanediol in combination with alcohol could significantly increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by alcohol. Taking butanediol in combination with alcohol can lead to serious side effects. For this reason, butanediol should not be used if you have previously consumed alcohol.

Medication for seizures (anticonvulsant medication)

Medications used to prevent seizures affect chemicals in the brain. Butanediol is converted in the body into one of these brain chemicals called GABA. Taking butanediol in combination with anti-seizure medications may reduce the effects of butanediol.

Muscle relaxants

Muscle relaxants can cause drowsiness. Butanediol can also cause drowsiness. Taking butanediol in combination with muscle relaxants could cause excessive drowsiness and serious side effects. For this reason, butanediol should not be used when taking muscle relaxants.

Naloxone

Butanediol is converted into other chemicals in the body. One of these chemicals is GHB. GHB can affect the brain. Taking naloxone in combination with butanediol could reduce the effects of butanediol on the brain.

References

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