Strychnine
| Other Names
Estricnina, stricnina, strychnidin-1 O-on, strychnin, 2,4a,5,5a,8, 15a,15 b, 15c-decahydro-4,6-methano- 14H,16H-indolo [3,2,1,ij]oxepino- [2,3,4-de]pyrrolo [2,3 -h] chinolin-14-on Substance type: indole alkaloid, strychnos alkaloid Strychnine docks to the glycine receptor. At lower dosages it is clearly psychoactive, in a manner very similar to yohimbine. The therapeutic dosage for tonic purposes is listed as 1 to 3 mg; a dosage of 5 mg produces aphrodisiac and psychoactive effects. However, 10 mg can cause convulsions, and dosages above 30 mg can lead to difficulty in breathing and severe anxiety (Neuwinger 1994, 527*). From 100 to 300 mg is normally regarded as a lethal dosage for adults, while dosages as low as 1 to 5 mg can prove fatal to small children (Roth et al. 1994,935*). Strychnine is an extremely stable molecule and could still be detected in corpses that were exhumed as much as four years after burial (Roth et al. 1994, 935*). Diazepam is recommended as an antidote in cases of strychnine poisoning or overdose (Moeschlin 1980). Kavapyrones and kava-kava can also be used as antidotes for strychnine poisoning (cf. Piper methysticum) . Strychnine is also an effective aphrodisiac, but the dosage must be very precise: Milligram dosages of strychnine nitrate administered internally or subcutaneously cause an increased sensitivity of the senses (the feeling that vision, hearing, taste, smell are more acute) and faster reflex response. (Hihner 1943,221*) Strychnine docks to the glycine receptor. At lower dosages it is clearly psychoactive, in a manner very similar to yohimbine. The therapeutic dosage for tonic purposes is listed as 1 to 3 mg; a dosage of 5 mg produces aphrodisiac and psychoactive effects. However, 10 mg can cause convulsions, and dosages above 30 mg can lead to difficulty in breathing and severe anxiety (Neuwinger 1994, 527*). From 100 to 300 mg is normally regarded as a lethal dosage for adults, while dosages as low as 1 to 5 mg can prove fatal to small children (Roth et al. 1994,935*). Strychnine is an extremely stable molecule and could still be detected in corpses that were exhumed as much as four years after burial (Roth et al. 1994, 935*). Diazepam is recommended as an antidote in cases of strychnine poisoning or overdose (Moeschlin 1980). Kavapyrones and kava-kava can also be used as antidotes for strychnine poisoning (cf. Piper methysticum) . Strychnine is also an effective aphrodisiac, but the dosage must be very precise: The literature contains numerous references to the stimulating effects of strychnine on the sexual apparatus. Many experienced immediate erections. But the extraordinary toxicity of the substance makes it an especially dangerous aphrodisiac. Strychnine has for this reason always played a dangerous role in criminality in this regard as well. (Hirschfeld and Linsert 1930,210*) A very effective recipe for a "firm erection" can be prepared with strychnine and other substances (from Gotttlieb 1974,81*): <tbody> </tbody>
Strychnine is said to have been the favorite drug of Adolf Hitler, who also appears to have used cocaine (Schmidbauer and vom Scheidt 1984, 260*): Moreover, we will never know if and how Hitler's strategy and war leadership might have changed if he had not been making his decisions while in a euphoric trance state induced by high dosages of strychnine. . . . (Irving 1980, 135) Strychnine has also had an impact on sports because of its prominent role as a doping agent (Schmidbauer and vom Scheidt 1984,289*). Strychnine is a popular rat poison and is still used for this purpose today. In the United States, the members of some rather extreme Christian sects drink such rat poisons as an ordeal and an inebriant during their worship services. It is said that the Holy Spirit will protect the true believers from dying from the poison. Surprisingly, these cults have not yet become extinct. |
Commercial Forms and Regulations
The substance is available in the form of a base and as strychnine hydrochloride, strychnine nitrate, strychnine phosphate, and strychnine sulfate~ All forms of the substance are subject to the regulations concerning dangerous substances. Strychnine is listed in Class 1 of the Swiss Poison List. In principle, however, strychnine is legal. Literature See also the entries for Strychnos nux-vomica and Strychnos spp. Haas, Hans, and Hans Friedrich Zipf. 1949. Dber die erregende Wirkung von Barbitursaureabkommlingen und ihre Beeinflussung durch Strychnin, Pervitin und Cardiazol. Archiv fur experimentelle Pathologie und Pharmakologie 206 (5/6): 683-97. Irving, David. 1980. Wie krank war Hitler wirklich? Munich: Wilhelm Heyne Verlag. Moeschlin, S. 1980. Klinik und Therapie der Vergiftung. 6th ed. Stuttgart: Thieme. Seeger, R., and H. G. Neumann. 1986. Strychnin/Brucin. Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung 126 (26): 1386-88. |