Effects of hallucinogenic drugs on the human heart
Joachim Neumann, Stefan Dhein, Uwe Kirchhefer, Britt Hofmann, Ulrich Gergs
Frontiers in Pharmacology February 2, 2024 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1334218 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | LSD Psilocybin Serotonin |
| Keywords | Ergotamine Pharmacology Hallucinogen Chronotropic Stimulation Receptor Methysergide Heart rate |
| Citations | 12 |
| Key findings | Hallucinogenic drugs may increase cardiac force of contraction and heart rate and possibly cause arrhythmias via actions on the heart. |
Abstract
Hallucinogenic drugs are used because they have effects on the central nervous system. Their hallucinogenic effects probably occur via stimulation of serotonin receptors, namely, 5-HT 2A -serotonin receptors in the brain. However, a close study reveals that they also act on the heart, possibly increasing the force of contraction and beating rate and may lead to arrhythmias. Here, we will review the inotropic and chronotropic actions of bufotenin, psilocin, psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ergotamine, ergometrine, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine in the human heart.