The re-emergence of a dangerous drug often used to date-rape unsuspecting women has medical and drug authorities fearing the worst.
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In the past week, two people have been admitted to hospital in a critical condition after taking gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, otherwise known as GHB or fantasy.
The drug, which was popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, is a potent sedative and central nervous system depressant. It has not been seen in Canberra hospitals for many years.
Calvary Hospital emergency department physician Greg Bayliss said he was worried the cases may signal the return of the drug, which is difficult to dose and potentially fatal.
"GHB is often used as a downer after taking a stimulant drug and I am concerned there may be people in Canberra who are seeing this a new way of coming down," he said.
"It was for a while associated with what we call drug-facilitated sexual assault, or what the layman might call date-rape."
The transparent colour of the drug and its lack of odour and taste means it can be easily added to flavoured drinks without a victim's knowledge.
Dr David Caldicott, an illicit drug expert who has published academic research on GHB, said the drug was once considered safe when taken on its own but a number of associated deaths proved otherwise.
An Australian study of GHB during the early 2000s said users were found dead in their apartments, arrived brain dead at hospital, and suffered fatal respiratory arrests and died soon after sexual intercourse.
"Consumers considering taking this drug should think long and hard about it because it is not as safe as you may think and it has been associated with the death of people when taken in isolation," Dr Caldicott said.
"The effects are a collapse in consciousness and a loss the reflexes that protect the airways so the most common cause of death is vomiting and then choking on your own vomit."
The emergence of GHB in emergency departments presents an additional problem for specialists and nurses already tasked with diagnosing and treating intoxicated patients who often threaten and assault staff.
"The reality is polydrug use is probably the norm now rather than the exception and it is very dangerous, particularly with the nature of drugs on the market," Dr Caldicott said.
"There is frequently a physical danger. People behaving in a very erratic way have been responsible for the harm of doctors and emergency department staff. It is a difficult area to operate in."
