Transcript Hallucinogens - Randolph College

Hallucinogens
Ashleigh Pogue and Beth Hall
Drug Overview
LSD: D-lysergic acid diethylamide
-Synthetic drug (chemically similar to serotonin)
Mescaline: comes from peyote cactus (chemically similar to
norepinephrine)
Psilocybin: resembles serotonin and comes from mushrooms
Phencyclidine: commonly referred to as PCP
MDMA: commonly referred to as ecstasy
-a synthetic amphetamine derivative
LSD
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Discovered in 1938, was made from the fungus ergot
One of the strongest mood-changing drugs.
Sold as tablets, capsules, liquid, or on an absorbent paper
Physical effects: dilated pupils, high body temperature,
increased heart rate, causes perspiration, and raises your blood
pressure
Effects are usually felt within 30 minutes and lasts 12 hours.
Not considered addictive because it does not produce
compulsive drug seeking behavior. Most users stop over time
on their own.
Mescaline
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the same physical effects that LSD does,
but also includes severe vomiting and nausea
 It has been used in religious ceremonies by
various Native American peoples for many
centuries for its nauseating side effects. This
was thought to be “cleansing”
 Effects last about 12 hours
 Produces rich visual hallucinations
 It is also not physically addictive
Psilocybin
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It is ingested orally, usually through tea or other
means to mask its bitter flavor (including chocolate
covered mushrooms).
 Physical effects appear in 20 minutes and last 6 hours
 Has the same physical effects as the previous drugs,
and also includes lack of coordination and muscle
weakness.
 Panic attacks and psychosis often occur because the
user cannot distinguish between reality and fantasy.
Phencyclidine
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Sold as tablets, capsules, or colored powder. And, it
can be snorted, smoked, or eaten.
Used in the 1950’s as an intravenous anesthetic, but
was discontinued.
It alters the effects of the neurotransmitter Glutamate.
It is also known as angel dust, ozone, wack, and
rocket fuel.
It is addictive.
It is not often a street drug because it is too
dangerous.
MDMA
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Also known as Ecstasy
It is chemically similar to methamphetamine and
mescaline
It has a stimulant and psychedelic properties.
It is taken orally or as a capsule or tablet
Physical effects: hyperthermia, it causes
cardiovascular, liver, and kidney failure, and death
with the other symptoms that the previous drugs
exhibit.
It is addictive and thought to be a neurotoxin.
It produces distortions in time perception.