The Peaceful Pill eHandbook Premedication & Potentiation
While simply dissolving the nitrite salt in water and drinking the solution can lead to death, there is a number of steps that can be taken to improve the reliability and peacefulness of the method.
Anti-emetics
When dissolved in water, sodium nitrite has a very salty taste and vomiting is common. This is why an anti-emetic is considered essential to allow the full lethal dose to be absorbed into the blood stream. It is commonly believed that nitrite- induced vomiting is mediated by the ‘dopaminergic’ pathway in the brain and that dopamine-blocking, anti-vomiting drugs are the most effective (eg. metoclopramide, domperidone and prochlorperazine). Of these drugs, metoclopramide (which also speeds gastric emptying) is the most effective.
Dose: 3 x 10mg tablets taken 40 minutes before the nitrite drink.
Because vomiting may occur, it is wise to have a second drink prepared. This can then be taken, should vomiting occur. If no supplementary drink is available, the entire procedure should be aborted.
Fasting
To speed the absorption of nitrite into the bloodstream, some degree of fasting is wise for several hours prior to taking nitrite. Clear fluids are ok to consume during this period.