Men Hospitalized for Ingesting GHB Drug

Four young men were hospitalized Monday after they reported ingesting what they believed was an amino acid that would aid their workout, according to authorities.

The substance, known as GHB or gamma-hybroxybutyrate, is typically homemade and illegal in the United States, authorities said, adding that it’s often seen on the club circuit where it’s used for its effects of euphoria and loss of inhibitions.

The men, 19 to 23 years old, were working in a third-floor office in the 16500 block of Ventura Boulevard when they became dizzy, said Brian Humphrey, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Paramedics called to the building at about 11:30 a.m. were told by one of the victims that the men had intentionally taken the drug because they believed it would enhance their endurance during a workout later in the day, Humphrey said.

The men, who were not identified, were taken to local hospitals, where three were listed in serious but stable condition and a fourth man was released shortly after arriving, authorities said.

The drug, also known as Liquid E or Liquid X, is colorless and odorless, but has a salty taste. It has been used in Europe for years but became popular here around 1994, Humphrey said.

It is often made in bathtubs and sold in small bottles, he said.

Authorities said they did not know how much was swallowed, but the men were found with weak pulses and heart rates.

“It’s sad what people will put in their bodies,” Humphrey said.