Posted by Cam W. on November 21, 2001, at 0:34:47
In reply to Chloral Hydrate, posted by Lindsey3 on November 20, 2001, at 20:17:18
Lindsey - Chloral hydrate does work as a hypnotic, but there is the risk tolerance (needing to increase the dose), physical and psychological dependence, and withdrawl symptoms (similar to delerium tremens; therefore it requires tapering of the dose when coming off of it.), as well as respiratory depression. Also, I have heard from people that it does cause some hangover effect (ie. wake up groggy in the morning), but it seems to be no more than is seen with some of the benzodiazepines (eg Valium™ - diazepam or Mogadon™ - nitrazepam).
That being said, if used responsibly and for short-term, it is an effective hypnotic (ie. sleeping pill). The liquid is foul tasting, though. It does seem to work when other sleep-inducing medications don't.
Chloral hydrate also potentiates the effects of alcohol and may cause a disulfram-like reaction (eg. the combination may cause pounding headaches, flushing and a racing heartbeat).
As a historic note, chloral hydrate is what has been called a "Mickey Finn" or "panty remover". In the 1940s (I believe) it was slipped into drinks to take advantage of the synergistic effects with alcohol, causing the consumer (usually a lady) to pass out. I guess you could say that it was the original "date rate" drug; that is if you don't count opium &/or alcohol (by itself) used throughout history, for the same purpose.
I hope that this is of some help. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:84810
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011113/msgs/84825.html