Hallucinogenic Drugs
Encyclopedia of Life Sciences August 15, 2012 DOI: 10.1002/9780470015902.a0000166.pub2 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | LSD MDMA Mescaline Psilocybin Serotonin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Pharmacology Psychotomimetic Recreational drug |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | Classic hallucinogens produce their effects primarily through agonism at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, with additional influences on dopamine and glutamate systems. |
Abstract
Abstract Hallucinogens constitute one of the oldest classes of drugs used by humanity, often in the context of spiritual practices. Classic hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, N,N ‐dimethyltryptamine (DMT), mescaline and 2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐methylamphetamine (DOM) produce complex psychological and physical effects, including perceptual changes, cognitive shifts in reality and emotional alterations. These drugs primarily act on serotonin systems through 5‐hydroxytryptamine 2A (5HT 2A ) receptors, with additional activity through dopamine and glutamate systems. Investigation of the neurochemical and behavioural effects of this class of drugs has provided important insights into pharmacology and psychiatric conditions. Given their popularity as recreational drugs, investigation of their actions and effects continues to be an important endeavour. After a long hiatus, clinical studies in humans have resumed with these drugs in laboratories around the world. Key Concepts: Hallucinogens have been used for thousands of years by various societies, often in conjunction with spiritual practices. In present day, hallucinogens remain highly popular as recreational drugs. The chemical structure of hallucinogens consists of tryptamines (LSD and psilocybin) and phenethylamines (mescaline and DOM). The potency of hallucinogens is directly correlated to their ability to act as agonists at the serotonin receptor subtype, 5‐HT 2A . Drugs that act at sites other than 5‐HT 2A receptors can also produce hallucinogen‐like effects (e.g. ketamine, MDMA, salvinorin A, nitrous oxide, GHB). The signature effects of hallucinogens include perceptual changes, alterations in affect and shifts in cognitive ability. Negative responses associated with hallucinogens include ‘bad trips’ (severe anxiety and a disconnection with reality) as well as rare instances of ‘flashbacks’ and psychotic breaks. Human research with hallucinogens has recently been revitalised, augmenting the scientific advances made previously with animal studies.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on mescaline, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study of a New Schizophrenomimetic Drug—Sernyl | 1959 | Review | |
| Hallucinogens and Serotonin 5-HT2A Receptor-Mediated Signaling Pathways | 2017 | Review | |
| Hallucinogens in Mental Health: Preclinical and Clinical Studies on LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA, and Ketamine | 2020 | Review | |
| Legal highs: staying on top of the flood of novel psychoactive substances | 2015 | Review | |
| Psychedelic Drugs in Biomedicine | 2017 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: A population study Journal of Psychopharmacology March 1, 2015
- Psychedelic drug use in healthy individuals: A review of benefits, costs, and implications for drug policy Drug Science, Policy and Law 2017
- Psilocybin-Assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults with Major Depressive Disorder: Rationale and Treatment Development Psychedelic Medicine September 6, 2023
Cites 38
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
- Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 23, 2012
- Psilocybin induces schizophrenia-like psychosis in humans via a serotonin-2 agonist action Neuroreport December 1, 1998
- Mystical experiences occasioned by the hallucinogen psilocybin lead to increases in the personality domain of openness Journal of Psychopharmacology September 28, 2011
and 33 more in the library