Chloral Hydrate acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, it has sedative effects similar to those of barbiturates and benzodiazepines.
Legally available as syrups or soft gelatin capsules, a doctor prescribed dose of 500 mg to 1 gram of chloral hydrate will take effect in about half an hour, and will induce sleep in about an hour.
Sleep induced by the drug will usually last four to eight hours and the user will feel very few after effects, but continued use of the drug can result in addiction if taken for months at a time.
Chloral Hydrate is also known as Trichloroacetaldehyde Monohydrate, and is used medically as a sleeping pill. Its molecular formula is CCl3CH(OH)2. It is a transparent crystalline compound with a melting point of 57º C (135º F).
Overdose symptoms may include:
deep stupor
dilation of blood vessels
fall in blood pressure
fall in body temperature
slowed respiration
In a severe overdose, death usually occurs within 5 to 10 hours.
The drug is used recreationally by a small number of people, usually because there is no other drug available, or because it is cheap.
The effects are similar to downers and sleeping pills. Minor euphoria, relaxation, etc. at small doses. Tiredness, slurred speech, screwed up thought process in larger doses.
It seems to me the presence of this drug in Anna's system is clear evidence that someone else gave it to her - causing her death. So, hold an inquest - and find out who gave it to her?