DATE RAPE DRUG HAS OTHER NASTY EFFECTS

Re: Date rape drug kills 22-year-old UVic student, March 27

GHB is clearly a very dangerous drug. I admire the courage of Zoe
Read's parents, Laurie and Rollie, who are willing to share the
experience of their daughter's tragic death in an attempt to save others.

Sun readers should also be aware that GHB can cause dependence and a
very nasty withdrawal syndrome. I have treated a patient at Vancouver
General Hospital whose withdrawal was exceedingly dangerous and cost
the public several weeks of nursing and intensive hospital care.

Tom Perry, MD

Vancouver