Hallucinogens are substances that induce changes in thought, perception, and mood, without causing major disturbances in the autonomic nervous system. Perceptual alterations can take the form of illusions, synaesthesias, or hallucinations. An illusion is the result of misinterpretation of an actual experience, while synaesthesias are sensory misperceptions (e.g. hearing colour or seeing sounds). Both require external stimuli for their institution. Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is the synthetic diethylamide derivative of ergot alkaloids, and was originally synthesized exclusively from these alkaloids produced by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, which is a contaminant of rye and certain other grains. Today, most LSD is synthesised entirely in the laboratory, and typically sold to addicts as liquid-impregnated blotting paper, or sugar cubes, tiny tablets (“microdots”), gelatin squares (“window panes”), liquid, or powder.

This topic describes: Mechanism, Clinical (Toxic) Symptoms, Investigations/Diagnosis and Management of Hallucinogens – LSD abuse.

Substance abuse – Hallucinogens – LSD

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