Psychedelic Drugs: Types and Effects

Psychedelic Drugs: Types and Effects

• Anticholinergic: Scopolamine is an anticholinergic. Low doses cause sedation, mild euphoria, and amnesia, while high doses induce euphoria, hallucinations, and excitement. Peripheral effects include increased heart rate (tachycardia), higher body temperature, and dry mouth. Used as a form of twilight anesthesia.

• Serotonergic: These drugs are chemically similar to serotonin.

  • LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide): A synthetic derivative of ergot, developed in the 1930s. Binds to 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, leading to perceptual distortions (visual, auditory, space/time). Synthesized in 1938, used therapeutically/experimentally from the 1950s to 1970s, including military contexts. Illegal possession in the U.S. since 1968.
  • Ololiuqui: The seeds of morning glories contain a psychedelic compound, lysergic acid amide, which is NOT LSD.
  • Bufotenine: An alternative metabolite of serotonin, may be found in individuals with psychiatric disorders and in toads of the Bufo genus.
  • Psilocybin & Psilocin: Found in "magic mushrooms" (psilocybin mushrooms). Renewed interest in psilocybin as a treatment for depression, PTSD, addiction, and end-of-life anxiety.

• Catecholamine-like: These drugs are chemically similar to norepinephrine and dopamine. Methoxylated structures confer psychedelic properties due to interactions with the 5-HT2A receptor.

  • Mescaline: Causes anxiety, visual distortion, and tremors.
  • Synthetic Methoxylated Amphetamine Derivatives: Including DOM, MDA, DMA, MDE, TMA, AMT, and MDMA. These drugs increase the release and/or inhibit the reuptake of monoamines and acetylcholine.
    • MDMA: Developed in 1914 for appetite suppression. Tested in the U.S. military in the 1950s, and experienced renewed interest in psychological treatment during the 1970s and popularity with college students. Reported effects include empathy, insight, enhanced communication, and transcendent religious experiences. Can cause sympathomimetic effects, anxiety, and potentially malignant hyperthermia or neurotoxicity.

• Antiglutamatergic: These drugs act as antagonists of the NMDA receptor.

  • Phencyclidine (PCP) & Ketamine: Cause confusion, altered perception, stupor, and coma. Originally developed as safer anesthetic and analgesic agents.

• Kappa Opioid Agonist:

  • Salvinorin A: Causes hallucinations and dysphoria.

Explore the various types of psychedelic drugs, including anticholinergic and serotonergic categories. This quiz covers their effects, historical context, and notable substances like LSD and ololiuqui. Test your knowledge on the pharmacological properties and applications of these intriguing compounds.