Psychedelics or Hallucinogens

aka “psychotomimetics”

Serotonin-Like Hallucinogens

u lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

u psilocybin (Mexican magic mushrooms)

u ololiuqui (Morning glory seeds)

u dimethyltryptamine (DMT)(“businessman’s LSD”)

u bufotenine in some toads

u Most seem to activate subtypes of the 5HT2 receptors

Psilocybin Mushrooms

Morning Glory Seeds
(aka ololuiqui)

u Contain an LSD related compound, d-lysergic acid amide (about 5-10% as strong as LSD). Used for spiritual purposes in Central & South America.

u Negative side effects (vomiting, headache) limit its popularity for recreational use.

Bufotenine

u Active ingredient present in secretions of some toads.

u Sine evidence suggests this psychedelic is produced in some autistic, mentally ill, and paranoid/aggressive individuals.

LSD History

u created by Albert Hofmann for Sandoz Pharmaceuticals

u was studying vasoconstriction produced by ergot alkaloids

u initial exposure was accidental absorption thru skin

u so potent ED is in millionths of a gram (25-250 micrograms) & must be delivered on something else (sugar cube, gelatin square, paper)

Characteristics of LSD & Other “Typical” Hallucinogens

u Somatic/Autonomic (sympathetic) changes occur first (relatively mild)

u Sensory/perceptual changes follow

u Cognitive changes occur even later (3-4 hrs after taking)

u Hallucinogenic effects last ~6-8 hours

u Rapid tolerance but no dependence

Common Effects

u Sensory distortions (color, size, shape, movement), constantly changing

u Vivid closed eye imagery

u Synesthesia

u Altered recognition, feelings of novelty

u Altered body image & feelings of self

u Decreased logic & reality testing; confusion

u Altered emotions and feelings of insight

Bad Trips

u Panic reaction; feel out of control & like you are losing your mind

u Unpleasant perceptions (claustrophobia, paranoia, overload)

u Emotional crisis (depression, feelings of worthlessness or meaninglessness)

Treatment

u “Talking down” in a less stimulating, re-assuring environment, turning their attention to more positive topics

u Sedatives or antipsychotics in extreme cases

Aftereffects

u Flashbacks (“hallucinogen persisting perception disorder”)

u Post-use depression, confusion or boredom

u Some may show impaired cognitive function with heavy use

Other “Typical” Hallucinogens

u Less potent than LSD so doses are in mg. not mcg.

u Natural plant products more likely to cause nausea, headache, hangover feelings.

u Like LSD, effects greatly dependent on user-characteristics.

Catecholamine-Like Hallucinogens (like NE, DA)

u Peyote

u Mescaline

u Hallucinogenic amphetamines like MDA or MDMA

u Nutmeg (myristin, elemicin)

u “Club drug” 2CB is bromo-mescaline

Peyote

u Cactus heads cut and dried. 5-20 buttons (containing 200-800 mg mescaline) are used.

Methylated Amphetamines

u Most are hallucinogenic amphetamines

u Some degree of stimulant properties + hallucinogen properties.

u Risks: hyperthermia, increased BP, bruxism/jaw clenching, restlessness, possible seizures, bad trips.

u Animal research on similar doses shows neurotoxicity.

Ecstacy (MDMA) §

§AKA E, X, XTC, Adam, hug, love drug

§methylene-dioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA)

§Multiple effects

§Stimulant rush & stimulant body effects

§Hallucinogen-like - enhances visual and tactile senses, but produces few hallucinations

§Emotional – empathetic, sensual, feel safe, lowered defenses

§5HT release and blocks reuptake; can lead to depletion

§Animal research shows loss of 5HT neurons after MDMA; human brain imaging suggests decreased brain activity but no “before” and “after” comparison possible

Anticholinergic Hallucinogens

u atropine

u scopolamine

u Datura plant family (e.g. jimsonweed), Atropa belladonna, and other plants containing belladonna alkaloids)

Anticholinergic Hallucinogens

u “Belladonna alkaloids” (atropine, scopolamine, hyoscyamine)

u Found in many plants (Datura family (jimsonweed, thornapple), Atropa belladonna (Deadly nightshade), henbane, mandrake)

u Used in past as beautifiers, poisons, in witchcraft/black mass

Anticholinergic Action

u Blocks ACh receptors in the CNS causing a type of delirium, clouding of consciousness, disrupted memory, & then sleep

u Also blocks the ACh in the parasympathetic N.S. (thus dilating pupils, dry mouth, racing heart)

Modern Usage

u Datura is smoked with tobacco, marijuana, or opium in the Far East; US teens experiment with wild Datura

Psychedelics or Hallucinogens

aka “psychotomimetics”

Serotonin-Like Hallucinogens

u lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

u psilocybin (Mexican magic mushrooms)

u ololiuqui (Morning glory seeds)

u dimethyltryptamine (DMT)(“businessman’s LSD”)

u bufotenine in some toads

u Most seem to activate subtypes of the 5HT2 receptors

Morning Glory Seeds (aka ololuiqui)

u Contain an LSD related compound, d-lysergic acid amide (about 5-10% as strong as LSD). Used for spiritual purposes in Central & South America.

u Negative side effects (vomiting, headache) limit its popularity for recreational use.

Bufotenine

u Active ingredient present in secretions of some toads.

u Sine evidence suggests this psychedelic is produced in some autistic, mentally ill, and paranoid/aggressive individuals.

LSD History

u created by Albert Hofmann for Sandoz Pharmaceuticals

u was studying vasoconstriction produced by ergot alkaloids

u initial exposure was accidental absorption thru skin

u so potent ED is in millionths of a gram (25-250 micrograms) & must be delivered on something else (sugar cube, gelatin square, paper)

Characteristics of LSD & Other “Typical” Hallucinogens

u Somatic/Autonomic (sympathetic) changes occur first (relatively mild)

u Sensory/perceptual changes follow

u Cognitive changes occur even later (3-4 hrs after taking)

u Hallucinogenic effects last ~6-8 hours

u Rapid tolerance but no dependence

Common Effects

u Sensory distortions (color, size, shape, movement), constantly changing

u Vivid closed eye imagery

u Synesthesia

u Altered recognition, feelings of novelty

u Altered body image & feelings of self

u Decreased logic & reality testing; confusion

u Altered emotions and feelings of insight

Bad Trips

u Panic reaction; feel out of control & like you are losing your mind

u Unpleasant perceptions (claustrophobia, paranoia, overload)

u Emotional crisis (depression, feelings of worthlessness or meaninglessness)

Treatment

u “Talking down” in a less stimulating, re-assuring environment, turning their attention to more positive topics

u Sedatives or antipsychotics in extreme cases

Aftereffects

u Flashbacks (“hallucinogen persisting perception disorder”)

u Post-use depression, confusion or boredom

u Some may show impaired cognitive function with heavy use

Other “Typical” Hallucinogens

u Less potent than LSD so doses are in mg. not mcg.

u Natural plant products more likely to cause nausea, headache, hangover feelings.

u Like LSD, effects greatly dependent on user-characteristics.

Catecholamine-Like Hallucinogens (like NE, DA)

u Peyote

u Mescaline

u Hallucinogenic amphetamines like MDA or MDMA

u Nutmeg (myristin, elemicin)

u “Club drug” 2CB is bromo-mescaline

Peyote

u Cactus heads cut and dried. 5-20 buttons (containing 200-800 mg mescaline) are used.

Methylated Amphetamines

u Most are hallucinogenic amphetamines

u Some degree of stimulant properties + hallucinogen properties.

u Risks: hyperthermia, increased BP, bruxism/jaw clenching, restlessness, possible seizures, bad trips.

u Animal research on similar doses shows neurotoxicity.

Anticholinergic Hallucinogens

u atropine

u scopolamine

u Datura plant family (e.g. jimsonweed), Atropa belladonna, and other plants containing belladonna alkaloids)

Anticholinergic Hallucinogens

u “Belladonna alkaloids” (atropine, scopolamine, hyoscyamine)

u Found in many plants (Datura family (jimsonweed, thornapple), Atropa belladonna (Deadly nightshade), henbane, mandrake)

u Used in past as beautifiers, poisons, in witchcraft/black mass

Anticholinergic Action

u Blocks ACh receptors in the CNS causing a type of delirium, clouding of consciousness, disrupted memory, & then sleep

u Also blocks the ACh in the parasympathetic N.S. (thus dilating pupils, dry mouth, racing heart)

Modern Usage

u Datura is smoked with tobacco, marijuana, or opium in the Far East; US teens experiment with wild Datura

u Atropa belladonna cigarettes to treat asthma are sometimes abused

u Synthetic anticholinergics meds (Cogentin, Artane) may be abused

u Atropine’s anti-parasympathetic action is used medically

Amanita Muscaria

u a nonpoisonous member of the Amanita mushroom family

Morning Glory Seeds
(aka ololuiqui)