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Asked by 972drug38 to Jenny, Hannah, Steven, Oli on 15 Nov 2016. This question was also asked by callum.
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Hannah Bolt answered on 15 Nov 2016:
Hi 972drug38,
Yes, some drugs can kill you instantly! For example, one class of drugs are cyanide salts. These are made of a carbon and a nitrogen atom (formula CN-). Cyanide is extremely toxic and very small amounts can kill within a few seconds. It was used by the Nazi’s to commit mass genocide and is quite often used in murder mystery stories.
Cyanide ions interfere with cells and prevents them from using oxygen to make energy, which causes the cells to die. Things like heart muscle cells or nerve cells all need energy to work. So if cyanide stops these cells producing energy they will die.
Hannah
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Jenny Batson answered on 15 Nov 2016:
Yes. Most drugs that people take recreationally can kill you instantly and it is usually because people have taken an overdose but often this can happen accidentally as people really don’t know what they are taking and some drugs can be made differently or stronger than others. There is always a risk. The drugs we are making can’t kill you instantly and a lot of research goes into making sure new drugs are safe but they still must be administered in the right way at the right dose!
Jenny -
Steven Street answered on 19 Nov 2016:
Hi 972drug38,
Yes, as the others said some liek cyanide and some recreational drugs can kill you instantly! Or in less than 5 minutes… It depends on the dose though… All medicinal drugs are tested and given to you at the correct dosage though!
Steve
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