LSD

Lysergic aciddiethylamide, better known as LSD, is a chemical that alters a user's mood,thoughts or perceptions. For this reason, LSD is grouped into a class ofdrugs known as hallucinogens orpsychedelics. These drugs maycause auditory, visual or somatosensory hallucinations, paranoia ordream-like states.
LSD Pills
Image courtesyofthe Indiana Prevention Resource Center
LSD was first synthesized froma fungusthat grows on rye and other grains. In 1938, Albert Hofmann working inthe Swiss pharmaceutical company called Sandoz, produced LSD for the firsttime. He was hoping that this new drug could be used to stimulatecirculation and respiration. However, the tests he conducted were allfailures and he forgot about LSD for 5 years. In 1943, Hofmannaccidentally ingested (or somehow absorbed) a bit of LSD and experiencedsome of the psychedelic effects of this chemical: dizziness, visualdistortions and restlessness. A few days later he prepared 0.25 mg of LSDin water and drank it. He again experienced the mood and thought alteringeffects of LSD.

Effects of LSD on the Nervous System

LSD is water soluble, odorless, colorless and tasteless - it is a verypowerful drug - a dose as small as a single grain of salt (about 0.010 mg) can produce some effects. Psychedelic effects are produced at slightlyhigher doses of about 0.050-0.100 mg. The effects of LSD depend on auser's mood and expectations of what the drug will do and last severalhours. The behavioral effects that LSD can produces include:

  • Feelings of "strangeness"
  • Vivid colors
  • Hallucinations
  • Confusion, panic,psychosis, anxiety
  • Emotional reactions like fear, happiness or sadness
  • Distortion of the senses and of time and space
  • "Flashback"reactions - these are the effects of LSD that occur even after the userhas not taken LSD for months or even years.
  • Increases in heart rate and blood pressure
  • Chills
  • Muscle weakness

Tolerance to theeffects of LSD develops quickly and users must increase their intake ofLSD to get the same effects. The exact neural pathways that are affectedby LSD are not completely known. LSD has a chemical structure that isvery similar to the neurotransmitter called serotonin. It is thought that the effects of LSD arecaused by stimulation of serotonin receptors on neurons, perhaps in thebrain area called the raphenuclei. However, it is still not clear what produces allthe effects of LSD.

Did you know?

The ControlledSubstances Act of 1970 states that the mandatory penalty forpossession of 1gram of LSD is 5 years in prison.

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For more information on LSD and otherhallucinogens, see:
  1. My ProblemChild - by the discoverer of LSD, Albert Hofmann
  2. LSD- Missouri Dept. of Mental Health
  3. LSDfrom the National Institute on DrugAbuse.
  4. LSD -Addiction Research Foundation
  5. LSD -National Families in Action
  6. Hallucinogens- Straight Facts

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