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.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on LSD, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study of a New Schizophrenomimetic Drug—Sernyl | 1959 | Review | |
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| The Pharmacology of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: A Review | 2008 | Review | |
| Serotonin research: contributions to understanding psychoses | 2008 | Review | |
| ADVERSE REACTIONS TO PSYCHEDELIC DRUGS. A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE | 1984 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 10
- How to set up a psychedelic study: Unique considerations for research involving human participants. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews July 1, 2026
- Is there a place for psychedelics in sports practice? Acta Neuropsychiatrica 2025
- Association Between Lifetime Hallucinogen Use and Valvular Heart Disease: Findings from the All of Us Research Program Journal of Psychoactive Drugs May 18, 2026
- Opinion Mining of Erowid's Experience Reports on LSD and Psilocybin-Containing Mushrooms. Drug safety May 1, 2025
- Overcoming Pharmacokinetic and Peripheral Safety Challenges in Psychedelic Therapies: The Promise of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems. ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science June 12, 2026
and 5 more in the library
Cites 65
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Salvinorin A: a potent naturally occurring nonnitrogenous kappa opioid selective agonist. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences September 3, 2002
- Acute, subacute and long-term subjective effects of psilocybin in healthy humans: a pooled analysis of experimental studies Journal of Psychopharmacology September 20, 2010
- Psychedelic effects of psilocybin correlate with serotonin 2A receptor occupancy and plasma psilocin levels Neuropsychopharmacology January 26, 2019
- Crystal structure of an LSD-bound human serotonin receptor Cell January 26, 2017
and 60 more in the library