Pharmacological Properties of Psychedelics with a Special Focus on Potential Harms.
Friederike Holze, Matthias E. Liechti, Felix Müller
Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences July 31, 2024 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2024_510 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Classification Psychedelics hallucinogens Entheogens Psychoactive drugs Risk management Substance risks Neuropharmacology brain chemistry Neural interactions Serotonin system |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | Psychedelics exert their effects primarily through 5-HT2A receptor binding and, while physiologically relatively safe, pose risks of lasting psychological adverse reactions such as persisting anxiety, dissociation, or flashbacks. |
Abstract
Psychedelics are a group of substances within the heterogeneous class of hallucinogenic drugs. Via binding to the serotonin (5-HT) 2A receptor, psychedelics exert profound alterations in various mental domains, including sensation, cognition, emotions, and self-perception. Psychedelics comprise phenethylamines (e.g., mescaline), tryptamines (e.g., psilocybin), and ergolines (e.g., LSD). These drugs have been used recreationally for decades but have also regained attention as potential treatments for various psychiatric as well as neurological illnesses. While psychedelics are generally considered to be relatively safe from a physiological standpoint, especially when compared to other recreational drugs, they are not without risks. The main safety concerns are lasting psychological adverse reactions such as persisting anxiety, dissociation, or flashbacks.This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the pharmacology of classic psychedelics, including their origins, psychological and autonomic effects, interactions, and potential risks and side effects. Furthermore, the origin, dosing, and consumption methods are discussed. It differentiates psychedelics from other psychoactive drugs, such as MDMA and ketamine, and elaborates on their distinct receptor profiles. Overall, this chapter provides an overview of the pharmacological underpinnings necessary for understanding the harms caused by psychedelic drugs.