As part of the preparation for the risk assessment of GHB, the European
Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA) asked for information
on the national situation of this product in terms of authorisation and
therapeutic value.

According to the responses received, GHB is authorised only in four countries:
in Italy and Austria for alcohol craving, and in France and in Germany
as an anaesthetic. In Germany it was put on the market before the German
Medicines Act came into force in 1978. Sales figures were not provided but
it can be assumed that they are low. GHB is subject to restricted prescription
in France and is regulated as a psychotropic substance in Italy.