Hallucinogens are drugs that stimulate the brain and lead to distorted auditory and visual sensations. The actual effect can depend on the person's mood and the setting when the drug is taken. For example, users who were depressed before taking the drug are likely to feel more sad when the drug takes effect.
The main dangers of using these drugs are the psychologic effects and impaired judgment they produce, which can lead to dangerous decision making or accidents. For example, a user might think he can fly and may even jump out a window to prove it.
There is no known medical use for
hallucinogens, but some block sensation to pain and their use may result
in self-inflicted injuries. "Designer drugs," made to imitate
certain illegal drugs, are often many times stronger than the drugs
they imitate.
Examples of hallucinogens include:
- PCP (angel dust, loveboat); smoked or taken orally
- LSD (acid, green/red dragon); taken orally
- Mescaline, peyote, psilocybin; taken orally, injected, or
smoked
- Designer drugs (ecstasy - PCE); taken orally, injected, or
smoked
The effects of hallucinogens can be felt immediately and long after use. The delayed effects are often referred to as flashbacks.
Common effects include the following:
- Rapidly changing feelings, immediately and long after use
- Hallucinations, illusions, dizziness, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, loss of control
Chronic use may cause the following:
Large doses of hallucinogens may cause the following:
- Convulsions
- Coma
- Heart/lung failure
- Ruptured blood vessels in the brain
One dose of designer
drugs may cause irreversible brain damage.
- Longer, more intense "trip" episodes
- Psychosis
- Coma
- Death
Stopping the use of some addictive drugs can cause painful physical and psychological symptoms. This is called withdrawal. There is no known withdrawal syndrome associated with the use of
hallucinogens.
- Extreme changes in behavior and mood
- Sitting in a trance-like state
- Appearing fearful
- Chills, irregular breathing, sweating, trembling hands
- Changes in sense of hearing, touch, smell, and time
- Increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar
Last reviewed September 2003 by Richard Glickman-Simon, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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