Chloral Hydrate
Chloral Hydrate Information
Chloral Hydrate is the oldest of the hypnotic depressants (sleeping pills). It was first synthesized in 1832, but was not used in medicine until 1869, when Mathias E.O. Liebreich noted its effectiveness in inducing sleep.
Chloral Hydrate acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, it has sedative effects similar to those of barbiturates and benzodiazepines.
Legally available as syrups or soft gelatin capsules, a doctor prescribed dose of 500 mg to 1 gram of chloral hydrate will take effect in about half an hour, and will induce sleep in about an hour.
Sleep induced by the drug will usually last four to eight hours and the user will feel very few after effects, but continued use of the drug can result in addiction if taken for months at a time.
Chloral Hydrate is also known as Trichloroacetaldehyde Monohydrate, and is used medically as a sleeping pill. Its molecular formula is CCl3CH(OH)2. It is a transparent crystalline compound with a melting point of 57º C (135º F).
Overdose symptoms may include:
- deep stupor
- dilation of blood vessels
- fall in blood pressure
- fall in body temperature
- slowed respiration
In a severe overdose, death usually occurs within 5 to 10 hours.
The drug is used recreationally by a small number of people, usually because there is no other drug available, or because it is cheap.
The effects are similar to downers and sleeping pills. Minor euphoria, relaxation, etc. at small doses. Tiredness, slurred speech, screwed up thought process in larger doses.
What Are Knockout Drops Or Mickey Finn
A Mickey Finn is any drug laced drink given to an unsuspecting victim in order to incapacitate them (also called knockout drops). A mixture of chloral hydrate and alcohol is thought to have been the original Mickey Finn.
At therapeutic doses, chloral hydrate has little effect on respiration and blood pressure but, a toxic dose produces severe respiratory depression and very low blood pressure. It can have tranquilizing (low doses) or heavy sedative effect (larger doses)
Although chloral hydrate is still used medically today, typically in the elderly or young, its use declined with the introduction of the barbiturates. Most the time it's only prescribed if the person can not take benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, etc).
Other common names include Noctec, Somnos, and Felsules. Chloral Hydrate has moderate potential for physical and psychological dependence. A tolerance is developed for this drug after continued use.
Warnings
This drug may increase the action of anti-coagulant drugs. Be very cautious when combining this drugs.
The liver may lose the ability to remove this drug if combined with: Ulcer drugs, Birth control pills, propranolol or disulfiram.
Check with your physician if you are taking central nervous system depressants like antihistamines, hay fever medicines, sedatives, narcotics, anesthetics, barbiturates or muscle relaxants.
The habit-forming potential is moderate to high.
Do not take this drug if you are pregnant.
Do not take this drug if planing to become pregnant. Do not take if you are breast-feeding.
Do not give this drug to children or infants. If over sixty only use drug for a brief time and with close monitoring.
Do not use if: You had negative reactions to this drug in the past or if you have kidney or liver disease.
Inform your Doctor if: You had negative reactions to this drug in the past. If you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription drug. If you plan to be under anesthesia or having any surgery in the next few months, also if you will be under-going any medical tests. If you have a history of drug or alcohol dependence.
Side Effects Of Chloral Hydrate
Common: Nausea/vomiting or drowsiness.
Rare: Stomach pain, dizziness/light-headedness, diarrhea, rash, confusion, anxiety/restlessness, memory loss or irritability.
See physician always: Stomach pain, drowsiness, dizziness/light-headedness, diarrhea, rash, confusion, anxiety/restlessness, memory loss or irritability.
See physician if severe: Nausea/vomiting.
Stop taking and see physician NOW: Rash
By bookman - May 13, 2000
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