1. Spot the Symptoms
Styrchnine is an extremely dangerous poison with fast-acting effects. It was originally used as a pesticide, but it has long since been replaced by safer chemicals. The symptoms of strychnine poisoning appear between 10 and 30 minutes of taking in the poison. They include muscle spasms, facial twitches and acute pain. Convulsions are common and the victim may struggle to breathe. Death from strychnine is usually caused by asphyxiation, as the poison literally tells the brain to shut off the operation of the lungs. Death comes quickly--within a few hours--so it is imperative that you get the victim to an emergency room as soon as possible.
2. Administer Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is commonly used to treat poisons. It works by absorbing the strychnine in the digestive tract and rendering it less poisonous, then passing it out of the system as quickly as possible. It is available online and in many local health food stores. The doctor may prescribe it and/or administer a more potent dose to try and halt the strychnine poisoning.
3. Give the Patient Anticonvulsants
There is no antidote for strychnine. The best treatment is to get the poison out of the body as quickly as possible and then treat the symptoms until the danger has passed. The doctor can prescribe anticonvulsants like Phenobarbital and diazepam to help control the seizures. In some cases, a muscle relaxant can be given too--strychnine can lead to death by exhaustion if the spasms are too strong and a muscle relaxant can help with that, as well as calming the spasms. These drugs should always be administered by a trained doctor. Do not attempt to give the victim any yourself.
4. Observe Progress
Someone suffering from strychnine poisoning needs to be very carefully monitored for at least 24 hours in order to control the symptoms, ensure that breathing is uninterrupted and prevent the situation from getting worse. If at all possible, he should have hospital care. Respirators and other equipment can help keep his vital signs stable, and the people there can administer more anticonvulsants if needed. If the victim can survive past the first day or two, it is very likely that he will recover.
