Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) - Topamax (Topiramate) Interaction
Herbal: Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl)
Also Known As: 2-3 dihydro furanone
Drug: Topiramate
Brand names:
Topamax, Trokendi XR, Qudexy XR, Eprontia
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Topiramate is classified as belonging to the following category: Cns Depressants
Theoretically, concomitant use of GBL with CNS depressants may potentiate respiratory and CNS depression.
GBL is metabolized to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Concomitant use of CNS depressants with GHB may cause serious CNS and respiratory depression.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Anon. Important message for health professionals: Report serious adverse events associated with dietary supplements containing GBL, GHB or BD. Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD. August 25, 1999. Available at: http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/mwg
- Anon. Multistate outbreak of poisonings associated with illicit use of gamma hydroxy butyrate. JAMA 1991;265:447-8.
- Product information for Xyrem. Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Palo Alto, CA. March 2022.
Interaction Details
Topiramate is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticonvulsants
Theoretically, concomitant use of GBL with certain anticonvulsants may potentiate respiratory and central nervous system (CNS) depression or increase the risk of seizures.
GBL is metabolized to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Concomitant use of anticonvulsants that have sedative effects with GHB may cause serious CNS and respiratory depression. GHB can also cause seizures and might reduce the effectiveness of anticonvulsants.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Anon. Multistate outbreak of poisonings associated with illicit use of gamma hydroxy butyrate. JAMA 1991;265:447-8.
- Carotenuto A, De Feo V, Fattorusso E, et al. The flavonoids of Allium ursinum. Phytochem 1996;41:531-6.
- Product information for Xyrem. Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Palo Alto, CA. March 2022.
Interaction Details
Topiramate is classified as belonging to the following category: Topiramate (Topamax)
Concomitant use of GBL with topiramate may potentiate adverse effects.
GBL is metabolized to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Concomitant use of topiramate with GHB may increase blood levels of GHB. In one case report, a patient regularly taking GHB 4.5 grams twice nightly was hospitalized after initiating treatment with topiramate 25 mg daily. Symptoms included confusion, muscle jerking, miosis, and coma. Plasma levels of GHB were 2.5-fold higher than when GHB was given alone. Potential mechanisms might include decreased GHB breakdown, increased absorption, and/or increased activity.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Weiss T, Müller D, Marti I, Happold C, Russmann S. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and topiramate--clinically relevant drug interaction suggested by a case of coma and increased plasma GHB concentration. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2013 May;69(5):1193-4.
Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) Overview
Gamma butyrolactone (GBL) is a chemical compound found in a wide range of industrial products, including cleaning solutions and nail varnish. Its main use is as a solvent and reagent. If consumed, GBL is metabolized to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a potent sedative that can produce relaxation, euphoria and hallucinations. GHB is commonly known as the 'date-rape drug'. The use of GBL for medicinal purposes is not recommended. GBL is federally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, making its production, sale, and possession illegal.
Topiramate Overview
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Topiramate is used alone or with other medications to treat certain types of seizures including primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (formerly known as a grand mal seizure; seizure that involves the entire body) and partial onset seizures (seizures that involve only one part of the brain). Topiramate is also used with other medications to control seizures in people who have Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a disorder that causes seizures and developmental delays). Topiramate is also used to prevent migraine headaches but not to relieve the pain of migraine headaches when they occur. Topiramate is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) - More Interactions
Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) interacts with 268 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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