Definition of hallucinogens
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that cause symptoms resembling psychosis (hallucinations, loss of sense of reality, onyroid states and other dramatic changes in the processes of thinking and perception). Among the natural hallucinogens, the most known psilocybin found in fungi, and mescaline, contained in the cactus peyote. Synthetic hallucinogens include lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), as well as certain tryptamine derivatives.
LSD is one of the most powerful hallucinogens (the average dose causing hallucinations is 1-2 μg / kg). The action begins 1 hour after consumption and lasts 8-12 hours. Hallucinations are often visual, usually in the form of geometric forms, less often there are auditory or tactile hallucinations. Changes in the psyche are manifested by memory impairment, difficulty in thinking, mood lability. Physical dependence on LSD does not develop, but many have a psychological dependence.
Fentziklidin - a synthetic drug that causes a predominantly hallucinatory effect, as well as detachment, disorientation, disruption of the body, nystagmus, sweating, tachycardia and hypertension. The effects depend on the dose. Overdose can be fatal. When treating, it should be taken into account that phencyclidine is excreted by the mucous membrane of the stomach, so removing the drug from the body can be accelerated by washing the stomach. Removal of the drug from the blood can be accelerated by the introduction of solutions with a low pH, since phencyclidine has the basic properties. Effective treatment should be accompanied by a decrease in urine pH to 5.5.
