Ingesting 100,000 mg (100 grams) of Nembutal (pentobarbital) is an extraordinarily high dose, far exceeding typical therapeutic amounts. Understanding how long it would take for such a dose to be fatal involves several factors, including the individual’s health, tolerance, and immediate medical intervention.
Timeframe to Fatality
- Immediate Effects:
Upon ingesting 100,000 mg of Nembutal, the individual would experience profound central nervous system (CNS) depression almost immediately. Symptoms would include extreme drowsiness, confusion, and impaired motor functions. Given the dose, unconsciousness could occur very quickly, within minutes to an hour. - Progression of Symptoms:
As the overdose progresses, severe respiratory depression would ensue. The high dose overwhelms the brainstem’s ability to regulate breathing. Breathing becomes shallow and irregular, leading to hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and hypercapnia (excess carbon dioxide). This stage could develop rapidly, often within a few hours. - Organ Failure:
The hypoxia and reduced blood pressure from respiratory and cardiovascular failure would lead to multi-organ dysfunction. The heart and kidneys, in particular, would be at risk. Multi-organ failure could become critical within hours if medical intervention is not provided. - Death:
Without treatment, death from such an overdose would likely occur within several hours. The immediate causes would be respiratory arrest and subsequent cardiac arrest. The exact time from ingestion to death can vary based on factors such as the individual’s overall health, presence of other drugs or substances, and how quickly medical intervention is administered.
Medical Intervention
If medical help is sought immediately, some effects of the overdose can be mitigated. Treatment may involve:
- Activated Charcoal: Administered to limit further absorption of the drug if given shortly after ingestion.
- Supportive Care: Mechanical ventilation may be required to manage breathing. Intravenous fluids and medications to support cardiovascular function might also be necessary.
- Monitoring and Stabilization: Continuous monitoring of vital signs and supportive measures to stabilize the patient’s condition are crucial.
Summary
Ingesting 100,000 mg of Nembutal is likely to result in death within several hours due to severe respiratory and cardiovascular depression leading to multi-organ failure. Immediate medical intervention is critical and can influence the outcome, though the high dose makes survival highly unlikely without prompt and aggressive treatment.