What is Chloral Hydrate?
Chloral Hydrate is known as Trichloroacetaldehyde Monohydrate and acts as a depressant on the central nervous system; it has similar properties to that of Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines. It is the oldest of the hypnotic (sleep inducing) depressants and was first synthesised in 1832, although not actually used in medicine until 1869. Although still in use today, it has now largely been displaced, initially by Barbiturates but more recently by Benzodiazepines.
It is marketed as syrups or soft gelatine capsules which come in varying colours.
Chloral Hydrate Brand Names
Chloral Hydrate brand names include some of the following:
- Welldorm
Welldorm is a sedative hypnotic and although available in tablet form, it is usually prescribed as a clear red liquid with a therapeutic dose range of 15ml to 2gm; it is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It is only available on prescription.
- Noctec
Noctec is a proprietary hypnotic drug available only on prescription. It is produced in the form of capsules and is used primarily in the treatment of insomnia and for the sedation of the elderly.
How is it Used?
Chloral Hydrate is usually prescribed in 500mg to 1gm doses and usually induces sleep within one hour. The effects last between 4 and 8 hours and the user will feel very few after effects, although continued use will result in reduced effectiveness. It is primarily used for the short-term treatment of insomnia and as a sedative before minor medical or dental treatment.
Chloral Hydrate is recreationally used by a small number of people as it is relatively inexpensive. Its properties have sometimes led it to be used as a ‘date rape’ drug, i.e. ‘Mickey Finns’ and ‘Knockout Drops’, although this has now been supplanted by newer drugs such as GHB and RohypnolTM.
What are the Side Effects?
Used at a correct therapeutic dose, Chloral Hydrate has little effect on respiration and blood pressure, but a toxic dose can produce severe respiratory depression and very low blood pressure. It can have tranquillising (low doses) or heavy sedative effect (larger doses).
Accidental overdose of Chloral Hydrate can result in:
- Slowed respiration
- Convulsions
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Fall in blood pressure
- Vomiting
- Severe drowsiness.
It can also cause liver damage, and in severe overdose, death usually occurs within five to ten hours.
Common Street Names
Common street names for Chloral Hydrate include knockout drops, torpedo, jelly beans, jellies, Mickey Finn, Peter and joy joice.
For further information regarding Chloral Hydrate addiction, please feel free to contact one of our First4Rehab advisors, either by phone or email. Or if you prefer, drop us a text on the number listed below.
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