A dose of 400mg of propranolol taken at the same time as the antiemetic (metoclopramide) is effective.
Note - Some reports have mistakenly labelled the use of a B-blocker as a ‘luxury item’ that serves no other function than that of alleviating the tachycardia (rapid heart rate) which can be experienced prior to loss of consciousness. This is not correct.
Propranolol is (usually) a prescription-regulated drug. However, it can be purchased online. Note - slow release forms of the drug are unsuitable.
Note - Earlier editions of the eHandbook (and the included film) suggest taking 2gm of propranolol with the nitrite. The advised dose was reduced to 400mg in February 2021.
Benzodiazepines (BDZ)
A range of unpleasant symptoms can follow the ingestion of sodium nitrite (prior to loss of consciousness). These can be addressed by taking a suitable benzodiazepine drug. Drugs such as oxazepam (20x30mg tablets), midazolam, or even valium (diazepam, 50x10mg) are useful because they can lessen one’s anxiety and significantly shorten the time to loss of consciousness.
While each of these benzodiazepines are prescription-controlled drugs, legal ‘off-licence’ benzodiazepines such as bromazolam can be purchased online.
