US President Bill Clinton has signed into law a ban on the so called "date-rape" drug known as GHB (gamma-hydroxybutate).

The new law places the drug in the same category as cocaine and heroin, and orders the health department to launch a campaign to educate people about its dangers.

GHB, a colourless, odourless drug, has often been used to sedate women before they are sexually assaulted.

A few drops slipped into a drink can cause unconsciousness within 20 minutes and victims will often have no memory of what has happened.

Officials say it has been linked to about 60 deaths in the United States since 1990.

Drug causes confusion

Along with another drug - Rohypnol - GHB has been associated with several date rape cases.

The effects of GHB are similar to those of Rohypnol - dizziness, confusion and memory loss.

Instructions on how to make the drug are available on the Internet, and last year the FDA urged Congress to impose harsher restrictions on it.

But campaigners have argued the drug is safe and effective, both for treating sleep disorders and as a recreational drug.

They say the FDA and the US Drugs Enforcement Agency have misled the public on the drug's benefits.