Acute poisoning from gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB).

Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an illicitly marketed substance promoted by body builders as a growth hormone releaser. Poisoning can produce seizures and coma. Acute poisonings from GHB have primarily been reported on the West coast and the Southeast. We report two cases from Kansas City where the patients presented in, or developed profound coma. Physicians should suspect GHB poisoning in patients who present with unexplained seizures and/or coma, particularly if they are body builders, health food fanatics or dieters.