Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) + Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone brand names: Decadron, Hexadrol, Dexone, Ozurdex, Dexycu, and others.
We found no known interaction between Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) and Dexamethasone in our sources. Absence of a documented interaction is not the same as proven safety, and does not guarantee one does not exist. Do not start, stop, or change a medication or supplement based on this page; confirm with your pharmacist or doctor first. Additionally, although there is no interaction, the two are separately associated with some of the same side effects, which would make a new symptom harder to attribute to one or the other.
Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) and Dexamethasone
We checked these two against our interaction database. Here is what we found.
No Known Interaction Found
We did not find a documented interaction between Dexamethasone and Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) in our sources. This does not guarantee that the combination is completely free of risk — there is often limited research on supplements and herbal products, especially around drug interactions.
If you decide to take both, the practical routine is simple: add one new thing at a time and note the date you started it. If the combination is going to disagree with you, it usually shows in the first days to a couple of weeks — and a start date turns “I’ve been feeling off” into something a pharmacist can actually work with. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
Always talk with your pharmacist or doctor before making changes to your medications or supplements, particularly if you take several medications or have an ongoing health condition.
Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) safety at a glance
Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — the full detail is in the Special populations card below. Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.
Why No Interaction Is Listed for Dexamethasone
Interactions in our licensed database are recorded against drug classes, not just single drug names. Dexamethasone is filed under 8 classifications — including corticosteroids, cytochrome p450 2b6 (cyp2b6) substrates, cytochrome p450 3a4 (cyp3a4) inducers. Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) has documented interactions with 10 drug classes — the most serious being alcohol (ethanol) (moderate), amphetamines (moderate) and anticonvulsants (moderate) — and none of Dexamethasone’s classifications are among them.
Classification data comes from our licensed Natural Medicines dataset. A medication can belong to classes beyond those recorded there, so this describes how the check was run — it is not a safety guarantee.
Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) Does Interact With Other Medications
Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) has 271 moderate known drug interactions in our database — Dexamethasone isn’t one of them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.
Check Another of Your Medications Against Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl)
We haven’t checked that one against Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) yet — ask our pharmacists directly.
Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl). Pick one to open its full report.
Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
When used orally; avoid using.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center
Questions About Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) or Dexamethasone
These are real questions from readers, answered by the pharmacists at HelloPharmacist — written by a person, not generated from a database. Each one covers Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) or Dexamethasone, not necessarily both, but if one is close to what you were about to ask it will usually go further than a database entry can:
- Does Activated Charcoal Remove Dexamethasone From the Body? ›
- Can You Safely Use Flonase If You Have High Blood Pressure? ›
- Are Antibiotic Eye Drops Safe To Use In The Ear? ›
Not quite your question? Ask our pharmacists directly — it is free, there is no account required, and answers usually come back within 24 hours.
See Every Supplement That Interacts With Dexamethasone
This page covers Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Dexamethasone page lists 221 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.
The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Grapefruit (major), Lily-of-the-valley (major), St. John's Wort (major) and Acacia Rigidula (moderate).
By severity: 4 major · 182 moderate · 35 minor.
From our pharmacist’s overview on the Dexamethasone page
“People take dexamethasone for serious reasons, a chemotherapy course, an autoimmune flare, brain swelling, so I want anyone on it to give its 221 supplement interactions genuine attention, starting with the four rated major. Grapefruit and St.”
Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026
Where Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) and Dexamethasone Sit Against Everything Else
Out of every supplement and medication people look up on HelloPharmacist, here is where these two land this week — and which way each has been moving.
#1,195 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#164 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days
Position among everything looked up on this site, not a measure of how commonly either one is used or how important it is. A supplement can climb this list because of a news story. It counts every request to the page, automated ones included, and nothing here identifies anyone.
Where does our data come from?
- Source: the Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) clinical database — the evidence-graded professional reference for herb & supplement interactions.
- Citation library: 103,510 references behind our interaction content, 65,311 of them resolved to verified PubMed/DOI sources. See every Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) reference on this page ↓
- Freshness: we automatically re-check this combination every week — this pair was last verified September 13, 2026. The Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) and Dexamethasone records this page draws on were last updated July 10, 2026.
- What “no known interaction” means: no documented interaction in the sources above — not a guarantee of safety. Supplements are studied far less than prescription drugs, so we say exactly what the evidence supports, and nothing more.
About Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl)
What is Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl)?
- Recreational intoxication and euphoria
- Relaxation and sedation
- Sleep aid (misused)
- Bodybuilding/muscle building claims (unproven)
- Industrial solvent and cleaner
Gamma butyrolactone (GBL) is a toxic industrial solvent, not a dietary supplement, and the body converts it into GHB, a powerful and dangerous sedative. It is illegal to sell or possess for human use in the United States, has no proven medical or supplemental benefit, and can cause coma, seizures, and death. Do not take GBL — if you are seeking help for sleep, anxiety, or substance use, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
Not applicable (synthetic industrial chemical) · Liquid (illicitly sold); used industrially as a solvent
An interaction check asks whether these two react with each other — it does not ask whether Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) is a good idea for someone in your situation. Here is what our Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) record says about it on its own.
Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl): dosing
There is no safe or recommended dose of GBL. It is not a supplement, it is illegal to sell for human use, and any amount can be dangerous because it converts into the potent sedative GHB.No pharmacist or doctor should recommend taking GBL.
From our Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) monograph — the full record covers uses, side effects and every documented interaction.
About Dexamethasone
What Is Dexamethasone Used For?
Brand names: Decadron, Hexadrol, Dexone, Ozurdex, Dexycu, Hemady, Dextenza
Dexamethasone is used to treat a wide range of conditions depending on the form and route. Oral tablets and solutions treat severe allergic reactions (such as asthma, contact dermatitis, and seasonal allergic rhinitis), inflammatory skin diseases, endocrine disorders including adrenal insufficiency and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, gastrointestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis and regional enteritis, blood disorders, rheumatic conditions, kidney disease, and respiratory conditions including tuberculosis complications. Hemady (oral tablet) is specifically approved, in combination with other medicines, for multiple myeloma in adults. TaperDex (6-day and 12-day oral tablet packs) are used for the same broad range of allergic, inflammatory, and endocrine conditions.
Injectable forms (intramuscular and intravenous) are used when oral treatment is not possible, covering endocrine emergencies, shock, rheumatic disorders, and more. Eye-specific products treat different conditions: Dextenza (intracanalicular insert) treats eye inflammation and pain after eye surgery and itching from allergic conjunctivitis. Ozurdex (intravitreal implant) treats macular edema from retinal vein occlusion and diabetic macular edema, and non-infectious uveitis in the back of the eye. Dexycu (intraocular injection) treats inflammation after eye surgery. Maxidex (ophthalmic suspension) and dexamethasone sodium phosphate eye drops treat steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the eye. The ophthalmic/otic solution also treats steroid-responsive inflammation of the outer ear canal. A topical ointment (Seacall) is used for skin conditions including contact dermatitis, eczema, and neurodermatitis.
Most-Reported Side Effects for Dexamethasone
From FAERS, the FDA’s public side-effect reporting system (308,307 reports, all brands). Reports are voluntary and are not proof the drug caused the effect.
Other Drugs & Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl)
Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.
No drugs match “”.
271 interactions
- Diphenhydramine ›
- Flurazepam ›
- Triazolam ›
- Zopiclone ›
- Fentanyl ›
- Oxycodone ›
- Phenytoin ›
- Temazepam ›
- Carbamazepine ›
- Morphine Sulfate ›
- Nitrazepam ›
- Amphetamine ›
- Buprenorphine ›
- Diazepam ›
- Lofepramine ›
- Meprobamate ›
- Oxymorphone ›
- Propoxyphene ›
- Topiramate ›
- Aripiprazole ›
- Cetirizine ›
- Clobazam ›
- Clonazepam ›
- Clorazepate ›
- Desipramine ›
- Doxepin ›
- Hydromorphone ›
- Levetiracetam ›
- Metoclopramide ›
- Midazolam ›
- Naloxone ›
- Phenobarbital ›
- Tramadol ›
- Valproic Acid ›
- Zolpidem ›
- Acetazolamide ›
- Alprazolam ›
- Amphetamine Sulfate ›
- Aripiprazole Lauroxil ›
- Buprenorphine Hydrochloride ›
- Butabarbital Sodium ›
- Chlorpromazine ›
- Dexmedetomidine ›
- Gabapentin ›
- Hexobarbital ›
- Hydrocodone ›
- Hydrocodone Bitartrate ›
- Lithium Carbonate (prescription Drug) ›
- Loxapine ›
- Magnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug) ›
- Meperidine ›
- Naloxone Hydrochloride ›
- Oxcarbazepine ›
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride ›
- Pregabalin ›
- Saquinavir ›
- Tasimelteon ›
- Zaleplon ›
- Zonisamide ›
- Acepromazine ›
Showing 60 of 271 moderate interactions — see all 271 on the Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) page.
No interaction 2,558 drugs checked — show the list
We also checked Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.
- Apixaban ›
- Levothyroxine ›
- Amlodipine ›
- Methylphenidate ›
- Warfarin ›
- Sertraline ›
- Testosterone ›
- Losartan Potassium ›
- Metoprolol ›
- Aspirin ›
- Ivermectin ›
- Rivaroxaban ›
- Rosuvastatin ›
- Escitalopram ›
- Tadalafil ›
- Acetaminophen ›
- Clopidogrel ›
- Atorvastatin ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Docusate ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Abemaciclib ›
- Ibuprofen ›
- Semaglutide ›
- Sumatriptan ›
- Tirzepatide ›
- Warfarin Sodium ›
- Prednisone ›
- Propranolol ›
- Bupropion ›
- Metformin ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Bendamustine ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Fluoxetine ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Omeprazole ›
- Quetiapine ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Amlodipine Besylate ›
- Duloxetine ›
- Letrozole ›
- Buspirone ›
- Citalopram ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Naproxen ›
- Bisoprolol ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Dapsone ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Mannitol ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Roxithromycin ›
- Atorvastatin Calcium ›
- Pegunigalsidase Alfa-iwxj ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 2,558 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) list.
Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) References
The 28 references that drive our Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
- Soderling E, Le Bell A, Kirstila V, Tenovuo J. Betaine-containing toothpaste relieves subjective symptoms of dry mouth. Acta Odontol Scand 1998;56:65-9.
- LoVecchio F, Curry SC, Bagnasco T. Butyrolactone-induced central nervous system depression after ingestion of RenewTrient, a dietary supplement. N Engl J Med 1998;339:847-8.
- FDA. FDA warns about products containing gamma butyrolactone or GBL and asks companies to issue a recall. Talk Paper, 21 January 1999.
- Anon. Adverse events associated with ingestion of gamma-butyrolactone--Minnesota, New Mexico, and Texas, 1998-1999. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1999;48:137-40.
- Harrington RD, Woodward JA, Hooton TM, et al. Life-threatening interactions between HIV-1 protease inhibitors and the illicit drugs MDMA and gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Arch Intern Med 1999;159:2221-4.
- Anon. FDA alert on misuse of consumer products containing GHB, GBL and BD. Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD. June 15, 1999.
- 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. DOI
- Carotenuto A, De Feo V, Fattorusso E, et al. The flavonoids of Allium ursinum. Phytochem 1996;41:531-6. PubMed
- FDA Talk Paper. FDA Warns About GBL-Related Products. 1999. Available at: vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/tpgbl2.html
- Ferrara SD, Tedeschi L, Frison G, Rossi A. Fatality due to gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and heroin intoxication. J Forensic Sci 1995;40:501-4. DOI
- Schneir AB, Ly BT, Clark RF. A case of withdrawal from the GHB precursors gamma-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol. J Emerg Med 2001;21:31-3.. PubMed
- Sivilotti ML, Burns MJ, Aaron CK, Greenberg MJ. Pentobarbital for severe gamma-butyrolactone withdrawal. Ann Emerg Med 2001;38:660-5.. PubMed
- Bosch OG, Eisenegger C, Gertsch J, et al. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate enhances mood and prosocial behavior without affecting plasma oxytocin and testosterone. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2015 Dec;62:1-10. PubMed
- Thai D, Dyer JE, Benowitz NL, Haller CA. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate and ethanol effects and interactions in humans. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2006 Oct;26(5):524-9. PubMed
- 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. PubMed
- Bhattacharya IS, Watson F, Bruce M. A case of ?-butyrolactone associated with severe withdrawal delirium and acute renal failure. Eur Addict Res 2011;17(4):169-71. PubMed
- Corkery JM, Loi B, Claridge H, et al. Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), gamma butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD; BDO): A literature review with a focus on UK fatalities related to non-medical use. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015;53:52-78. PubMed
- Dargan PI, Button J, Davies S, et al. The first reported UK fatality related to gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) ingestion. J R Soc Med 2009;102(12):546-7.
- Eiden C, Capdevielle D, Deddouche C, et al. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome-like reaction precipitated by antipsychotics in a patient with gamma-butyrolactone withdrawal. J Addict Med 2011;5(4):302-3. PubMed
- Heytens L, Neels H, Van Regenmortel N, et al. Near-fatal persistent anion- and osmolal-gap acidosis due to massive gamma-butyrolactone/ethanol intoxication. Ann Clin Biochem 2015;52(Pt 2):283-7. PubMed
- Roberts DM, Smith MW, Gopalakrishnan M, et al. Extreme ?-butyrolactone overdose with severe metabolic acidosis requiring hemodialysis. Ann Emerg Med 2011;58(1):83-5. PubMed
- van Gerwen M, Scheper H, Touw DJ, van Nieuwkoop C. Life-threatening acute lung injury after gamma butyrolactone ingestion. Neth J Med 2015;73(3):133-5.
- Zepf FD, Holtmann M, Duketis E, et al. A 16-year-old boy with severe gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) withdrawal delirium. Pharmacopsychiatry 2009;42(5):202-3. PubMed
- Product information for Xyrem. Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Palo Alto, CA. March 2022.
- Delic M. Inpatient management of GHB/GBL withdrawal. Psychiatr Danub. 2019 Sep;31(Suppl 3):354-356.
- van Helmond LPFM, Gresnigt FMJ. Safety of withholding intubation in gamma-hydroxybutyrate- and gamma-butyrolactone-intoxicated coma patients in the emergency department. Eur J Emerg Med. 2020 Jun;27(3):223-227. PubMed
- Delcourt N, Lanot T, Vardon-Bounes F, Gandia P, Franchitto N. Severe metabolic failures after recreational ingestion of ?-butyrolactone. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2020 Nov/Dec;40(6):624-626. PubMed
Medication overviews come from MedlinePlus (NIH); supplement label data from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Dexamethasone Is Linked to Lower Levels of 8 Nutrients
Natural Medicines records Dexamethasone as a medicine that can lower these. This is not an interaction with Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) — it is a separate effect of the medicine, and it is a reason some people are advised to supplement rather than to avoid one:
Read the full Dexamethasone nutrient depletion report ›
Depletion records come from the licensed Natural Medicines database. Do not start a supplement on the strength of this page — ask your pharmacist or doctor whether it applies to you.
Taking Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) and Dexamethasone Together: Common Questions
Is it safe to take Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) with Dexamethasone?
Do Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) and Dexamethasone have any of the same side effects?
How was the Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) and Dexamethasone combination checked?
Does Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) interact with any other medications?
Does Dexamethasone interact with any supplements?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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Still Have a Question About Dexamethasone and Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl)?
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This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.