Girl in cardiac arrest after using 'seawater drug'

On March 20, specialist doctor Tran Huy Nhat, Department of Intensive Care and Anti-Poison, People's Hospital 115, said that the patient was admitted to the hospital cyanotic, with respiratory failure, showing signs of cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest. Doctors immediately intubated and put her on a ventilator. After 12 hours, the girl fully recovered, was removed from the ventilator, and fortunately, there were no neurological sequelae.

According to the Japanese doctor, the substance the patient used is called GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), or "sea water drug". This substance was initially studied as an anesthetic, alcohol withdrawal or sleep disorder treatment under the strict control of medical staff. Later, they were exploited as an addictive substance.

This is a liquid drug, colorless, odorless, slightly salty, sedative and inhibits the nervous system, can be dangerous to health, and is prohibited. In Vietnam, they are known as "sea water" or "vitamin G". This "sea water drug" is often abused at parties, especially in combination with alcohol. This mixture can increase the inhibitory effects of both, leading to a high risk of poisoning and dangerous complications.

Recently, the hospital admitted a young man in a state of confusion and agitated behavior after drinking "sea water" mixed with alcohol at a party. Thanks to being admitted to the hospital early, after 24 hours of monitoring and symptomatic treatment, the patient regained consciousness and was able to control his behavior.

According to specialist 2 Cao Hoai Tuan Anh, Deputy Director of People's Hospital 115, many people think that this substance is safe, that after drinking it, it only creates a feeling of excitement and has no after-effects. "This is a misconception," the doctor said.

In the short term, users may experience drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and loss of awareness. This is very dangerous when participating in traffic. Some cases have even been sexually abused. This substance also causes loss of coordination, making it easy to have accidents at home or in traffic. They can also cause agitation, violence, or uncontrolled behavior, causing harm to oneself and others.

Abuse of “seawater drugs” can cause long-term effects on memory and cognition, impaired brain function, dementia, and impaired learning ability. Regular use can cause anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric disorders. When combined with alcohol, they pose a risk of hypotension, respiratory failure, and even cardiac arrest.

Doctors recommend not using drugs and stimulants in any form. Always watch the drinks when attending parties, be wary of people offering or strange drinks, do not entice others to try even once. If there are symptoms and signs of suspected poisoning, take the patient to a medical facility immediately.