Supplementary drugs

Because some lethal drugs/ substances have unpleasant side-effects, a range of supplementary drugs are required.

Furthermore, there is the inherent risk with any substance that is taken orally that vomiting can occur.

Some lethal drugs/ substances have unpleasant side-effects. Others can be described as ‘peaceful and reliable’, if the person is sedated prior to the death occurring.

For these reasons, supplementary drugs play an important role.

Role of Supplementary Drugs

Prevent vomiting

Vomiting is an issue of particular concern. If one takes oral drugs to die, it is critical that vomiting does not occur as this would remove some, or all, of the lethal agent from the body.

If vomiting were to occur, this is classified as a failed attempt. The process should be aborted.

With a supplementary, anti-emetic drug, vomiting is much less likely.

Provide sedation & mask any other unpleasant side-effects

Sedatives are drugs that reduce the inevitable anxiety associated with one’s end of life plan (anxiolytics).

These drugs/ substances can also make a hitherto not peaceful process peaceful.

These include certain opiates, BZDs, alcohol and cannabis.

Potentiate a lethal substance or drug

Linked to pre-medicating drugs are potentiating drugs.

These drugs (or, sometimes, strategies, such as hyper-ventilating or fasting) enhance the action of the lethal agent, making the process quicker and more reliable.

A number of useful pre-medicating and potentiating drugs (including alcohol and certain opiates) are discussed in this Chapter.

The Danger of Overdose

Death from a drug overdose requires that the full lethal dose of the drug or substance is digested.

While some people are more prone to vomiting than others, some diseases cause vomiting.

Furthermore, some end of life drugs/ substances have a very strong taste. This can induce vomiting.