Drug-facilitated sexual assault involving gamma-hydroxybutyric acid

J Forensic Sci. 2002 Sep;47(5):1133-4.

Abstract

The first case involving an alleged sexual assault linked to the use of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in Oklahoma is reported. A-48-year-old Caucasian woman taking amitriptyline was known to have voluntarily ingested a sports drink containing a relaxing health product. She purportedly experienced unconsciousness that persisted for approximately 4 h. The toxicological testing on urine identified GHB, amitriptyline, and nortriptyline using a capillary Hewlett-Packard 6890 gas chromatograph coupled to a Hewlett-Packard 5973 mass selective detector (MSD). The GHB concentration in urine was 26.9 microg/mL. Urine concentrations of amitriptyline and nortriptyline were not determined. The analytical method used for identifying and quantitating GHB can be applied to matters of forensic interests.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amitriptyline / therapeutic use
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxybutyrates / adverse effects*
  • Hydroxybutyrates / pharmacology
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rape*
  • Substance-Related Disorders*
  • Unconsciousness
  • Urinalysis

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Hydroxybutyrates
  • Amitriptyline
  • 4-hydroxybutyric acid