Erowid Chloral Hydrate Vault: Basics

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Chloral Hydrate Basics
by Erowid

DESCRIPTION
Chloral Hydrate is a pharmaceutical sedative with CNS depressant effects similar to barbiturates. It has been used as insomnia treatment, a pre-surgery sedative, and post-surgery anesthesia (pain control). It is perhaps best known for it's reputation as 'knockout drops', especially when used or given in combination with alcohol (also called a Mickey Finn).

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Dose
Determining correct dosage is extremely important for chloral hydrate use, as overdosing can lead to death. Oral dosages (for adults) range from 250-1000 mg depending on diagnosis.

Law
Chloral Hydrate is Schedule IV in the United States, making it illegal to sell without a license, and illegal to purchase or possess without a prescription.

Slang
Chloral Hydrate, Mickey, Mickey Finn, Knockout Drops

EFFECTS

General
Causes drowsiness, and sedation/sleep at higher doses. Also inhibits respiration.

PROBLEMS
The most common problems associated with chloral hydrate come as a result of mild overdoses. Common negative effects can include nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, clumsiness, diarrhea, skin rash or hives, confusion and/or hallucination (rare). Severe overdose cases can lead to convulsion, difficulty swallowing, irregular heartbeat, cardiovascular depression, reduced blood pressure, shock, coma, and death. Repeated administration may lead to liver damage.

Addiction Potential
Dependence may develop in those disposed towards addiction. Addiction is similar to alcohol dependence and can develop quickly, in a matter of weeks of regular use. Withdrawal symptoms can start within 12-24 hours after last use in those who have been using regularly. Withdrawal symptoms include weakness, nausea/vomiting, apprehension/anxiety, abdominal pains, insomnia, delirium tremons, etc.

Contraindications

Chloral hydrate passes into the breast milk and may cause drowsiness in babies of mothers using it.

Chloral hydrate in combination with Central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicine that causes drowsiness) may increase the depressant effects of both.

Chloral hydrate in combination with Tricyclic antidepressants may increase the depressant effects of both.

Individuals with a history of heart diseases may be at higher risk.

Preexisting liver or kidney problems may cause an increase of chloral hydrate levels in the blood, increasing risks.

Last Modified - Tue, Apr 24, 2007

Created by Erowid

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