Self-poisoning with alpha-chloralose could be overlooked for a long time if nonexplained epilepsy, myoclonic jerks or generalized convulsions occur without known psychiatric disorder. This Letter describes a case in France. A man was hospitalized 10 times in 2 years. The 10th time he had to be intubated & ventilated. An empty bag of Canadian Rat Poison was found at home. Persistant misdiagnosis could have jeopardized the outcome with life-threatening complications. (5 refs.)