Amitriptyline is particularly useful end of life drug as its car- diotoxic properties are combined with strong sedation. Nev- ertheless, to ensure that loss of consciousness has occurred before the heart is stopped, it is useful to include a benzodi- azepine sleeping drug after taking the amitriptyline and before the alcohol (eg. whisky). Serapax (oxazepam) is useful for this purpose. A full card (20 x 30mg tablets) of oxazepam can be crushed, then mixed with water and taken as a drink after the amitriptyline.
An alternative, if prescription-controlled oxazepam cannot be obtained, is the off-licence benzo ‘Diclazepam’ which can be legally sourced on the Internet. 1gm can be dissolved in pro- pylene glycol and taken with alcohol after the amitriptyline drink see the Chapter titled ‘Pre-Medication & Potentiation’.
Once the drink has been consumed, settle back and take the alcohol. The drug cocktail will work quickly, inducing sleep in about 15 minutes. Sleep will then deepen as consciousness is lost and the cardiotoxic properties of the drug bring about death. This period can vary and it is a good idea to have pre- pared a situation where there is no likelihood of disturbance for a period of up to 24 hours.
