Strychninum purum

Common name: an alkaloid of nuxvomica; strychnine.

STRYCHNINE is the principal alkaloid of Nux Vomica (as well Ignatia) Bean. It is so intensely bitter that 1 part in 600000 can be detected by the taste.

GENERAL ACTION OF STRYCHNINE.-The motor centres of the spinal cord are powerfully irritated, and hence their reflex excitability is enormously increased; the medulla is also stimulated and the respiratory centre is increased in activity, causing increased frequency and depth of movements of the chest; peristalsis is increased. It produces a condition very much like tetanus (D.).

TETANIC CONVULSIONS WITH OPISTHOTONOS (Cupr., Ign., Nux-V.) (Br.).

The muscles relax in between the paroxysms (Br.).

Trismus or lock-jaw (Cupr., Cur., Hydroc-Ac., Hyper., Ign., Nux-V., Oenan., Phyost., Stram.) (Br.).

Vertigo, with roaring in the ears (Calc., Chin., Kali-C., Nat-M., Puls.) (Br.).

VIOLENT JERKING, TWITCHING AND TREMBLING OF THE EXTREMITIES (Bell., Hyos., Ign., Nux-V., Stram.) (Br.).

Spasms provoked by the slightest touch and attempt to move (Nux-V.) (Br.).

Violent jerks in spinal columns (Br.).

Icy sensation down the spine (Gels.) (Br.).

EXCESSIVE DYSPNOEA (Ant-T., Arn., Ars., Cupr., Ferr-P., Lach., Laur., Lyc., Mosch., Nux-V., Phos., Sulph.) (Br.).

Desire for coitus (Canth., Lach., Phos.. Plat.) (Br.).

Any touch on the body excites a voluptuous sensation (Plat.) (Br.).

Fæces discharged involuntarily during spasms (Oenan.) (Br.).

Constant retching (Ant-T., Cupr., Ipec., Sec.); violent vomiting (Ars., Cupr., Ipec., Verat.) (Br.).

Deglutition impossible (Bell., Lach., Phos.) (Br.).

Spasm of the œsophagus (Ign., Laur., Sec.) (Br.).

AGGRAVATION: From the slightest touch, sound and odour; from motion; and after meals.

AMELIORATION: From lying on the back.

RELATIONSHIP: Compare: Arn., Bell., Cic., Cupr., Cur., Gels., Hyos., Ign., Kali-P., Lach., Merc., Nux-V., Op., Phos-Ac., Rhus-T., Sec., Verat.