Murder Rx

Atropine and aliby

In this episode of Murder Rx, Misu and Maya take a deep dive into the sinister side of atropine—a poison with a long history of deception, death, and even… beauty enhancement? We explore Agatha Christie’s The Pale Horse, where murder and mysticism intertwine, and then shift to a chilling real-life case: a Christmas Eve toast in 1977 that ended in unexpected tragedy. From its deadly effects to its medical uses, we uncover the science behind atropine, its symptoms, and its role in both healing and harm. Plus, we rate this poison based on efficiency, detectability, and pain level—because what’s a true crime podcast without a little forensic fun? Tune in for a mix of mystery, medicine, and mayhem. Just remember: we’re here to educate, not to encourage. Seriously. Don’t.

Say neigh to ketamine

We kick off the new year with a deep dive into the tragic death of Matthew Perry,  the beloved actor known for his iconic role as Chandler in "Friends”. What started as a mysterious drowning in a hot tub unraveled into a complex case involving ketamine, addiction, and exploitation.  We'll explore the allure and dangers of ketamine, its legitimate medical uses, and its devastating consequences when misused.  We'll walk you through its history, how it's made, its effects on the body, and its growing use in treating depression. Join us as we break down the medical, legal, and ethical implications of this case, and don’t miss our rating segment where we evaluate ketamine’s efficiency, detectability, and accessibility. Plus, we’ll share some surprising facts and answer a quick pop quiz question to test your knowledge.

Feeling salty??

You ever wondered why we say 'worth your salt'? Well, back in the day, salt WAS worth something! Seriously, people used it as money! But this salty friend of ours has a darker side. It can be a weapon! Poisonous! Exorcism-worthy! Yeah, you heard that right. We're talking about good ol' sodium chloride, the stuff that makes fries taste like heaven, but can also land you in the hospital with a condition called 'hypernatremia' . We'll dive deep into the salty abyss, exploring the bizarre history of salt, its surprising dangers, and how to avoid becoming a human pretzel

Colchicine: A niche crime

Join us as we unravel the enigmatic history of colchicine, a substance derived from the ancient colchicum autumnale.  From its use in ancient Egyptian medicine to its modern-day role in treating gout. We'll explore a shocking real-life case where colchicine was allegedly used as a lethal weapon. This ongoing trial sheds light on the dark side of this substance and the potential consequences of its misuse. We'll also delve into the intriguing medical mystery solved by the iconic TV character, House. Through his sharp deductive reasoning, House exposed the misdiagnosis of gout and the harm caused by incorrect medication.  Finally, we'll discuss the signs and symptoms of colchicine toxicity and the crucial steps involved in its treatment. Understanding these risks is essential for both medical professionals and the general public.

Sugar, spice and everything not nice

In the first episode of our series, we dive into the fascinating and dark history of insulin. Discovered in 1921 by Canadian scientists Frederick Banting and Charles Best, insulin revolutionized the treatment of diabetes and became a life-saving medication for millions of people. But, as we explore in this episode, insulin also has a shadow side—one that turns this once-celebrated drug into a deadly weapon in the hands of those with sinister intentions. We’ll take you back to the early days of insulin’s discovery, where it was hailed as a medical miracle for those suffering from diabetes. But as the drug became more widely available, it was also misused for darker purposes—most notably in cases of poisoning and murder. Join us as we explore the first-ever recorded case of insulin murder, where a scheming spouse used the drug as a weapon of deception and control. We'll walk you through the mechanism of insulin, how it works in the body, and why it can be so deadly in the wrong hands.  This episode unravels the complexities of insulin, revealing how a medical breakthrough meant to save lives can also be manipulated for the most horrifying reasons. Tune in to discover the darker side of medical history—where science and crime intersect in a way that might surprise you.