Ethchlorvynol
Pronunciation:eth-KLOR-vih-nahl
Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number:113-18-8
Formal Names:Arvynol, ECV, Ethylchlorovinyl, Placidyl, Serensil
Informal Names:Green Weenies
Type:Depressant.Seepage 19
Federal Schedule Listing:Schedule IV (DEA no. 2540)
USA Availability:Prescription
Pregnancy Category:C
Uses.Insomnia is the main medical condition treated by this drug, although
it has also been used as a tranquilizer. The compound has been used to assist
pain relief, on the theory that its calming and sleep-inducing qualities can
allow pain relievers to work better. Although ethchlorvynol is considered safe
for adults under medical supervision, ordinarily medical personnel are not
supposed to dose children with ethchlorvynol, as adequate testing of impact
on juveniles has not been done. Normally the drug is not supposed to be used
for more than one week, as longer dosage increases risk of adverse effects.
The substance was introduced in the 1950s and is considered old-fashioned.
It has mostly been superseded by newer pharmaceuticals that are more effec-
tive and that have fewer adverse effects.
Drawbacks.Because the drug makes people sleepy, they should avoid run-
ning dangerous machinery (such as motor vehicles) while under the influence.
Symptoms of ethchlorvynol intoxication are similar to those ofalcoholintox-
ication. The drug can cause nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and fainting. Con-
fusion, stammering, intense headache, and general loss of vigor have also been
reported. Intravenous abuse of the drug has caused vomiting, low blood pres-
sure and body temperature, liver damage, fluid buildup in the lungs, and
coma.
Persons suffering from porphyria should avoid ethchlorvynol. Porphyria is
a body chemistry disease that can cause sudden violent outbursts, and the
disease can be promoted by ethchlorvynol. The substance should also be
avoided by people who experience “paradoxical reactions” to barbiturates or
alcohol. A paradoxical reaction is an effect opposite from the expected one—
for example, barbiturates causing hyperactivity rather than mellowness. In an