Home

History

Physical effects

Biological effects

Psychological views

Characterisation

Synthesis

Using LSD

References and Further Reading

LSD is the most potent psychotomimetic (hallucinogenic) substance known to man, having much more pronounced effects than Mescaline or Psilocybin.

However, despite these effects it is remarkably non toxic, and also has few other pronounced biological actions. It is non addictive to humans (this is supported by tests on animals when the drug can be self administered by a lever, or button[2]). In fact in tests with animals and reports from users it is generally found that the drug tends to be aversive as apposed to reinforcing. However, in both humans and animals a quick resistance is built up requiring larger and larger dosages to receive the same effects.

LSD is usually taken orally, however, it can be injected. There are numerous reports of LSD laced pot, but, as LSD is destroyed by heat these are dubious. The low melting and boiling point help to show this. (see thermodynamic data)

The following table shows the different dosages and associated effects[3]:
Dosage/ug Effect
10-50 Threshold
50-100 Mild
100-250 Medium
250-500 Strong
>500 Saturation

A lethal dose of LSD is huge and no actual figures have ever been reported.

The short-term effects appear soon after a single dose (usually within an hour) and, usually, disappear within a few hours (in the case of high dosages between 10-12 hours).
The first signs are alteration in basic body functions including:

* numbness, muscle weakness or trembling often causing impaired motor skills and coordination
* increased blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar levels and body temperature
* dilated pupils
* dry mouth
* goose bumps
* occasionally even nausea and seizures.

One of the most noticeable signs is, often uncontrollable, laughter at things that, to an onlooker, may not appear especially funny. Many of these are caused by a slight stimulation of the 'fight or flight' mechanism, which supports the proposed theory on the biological effect within the body (to view effects)
Dramatic changes in perception, thought, and mood occur shortly after the noted physical effects. These effects may include:
* vivid, usually visual, "pseudo-hallucinations" that the user is aware are not real, (although they may well have forgotten!)
* distorted perceptions of: time (minutes seem like hours); distance (hazardous if operating motor vehicles or standing near balcony edges); gravity (sensations of floating or being pressed down)
* the space between oneself and one's environment (for some, a feeling of oneness with the universe, for others, a feeling of insignificant ness and terror). This will often include a fusion of the senses (for example, music is "seen," and colours are "heard")
* diminished control over thought processes, resulting in recent or long-forgotten memories resurfacing and blending with current experience, or in insignificant thought or objects taking on deep meaning
* fear, anxiety, and depression may occur, even with experienced users. These situation are referred to as "bad trips," users feel that they are losing their identity, disintegrating into nothingness, and that there is no reality.

Unlike many other drugs, the circumstances that LSD is taken is very important. For example the place, emotional stability, the presence of other people, the simultaneous use of alcohol or other drugs, and surrounding atmosphere are all noted as very important and are often said to be a factor in the type of 'trip' that is had.Hofmann's first two experiences contrasted in this type of way.

Despite there being no documented deaths through overdose, Bad trips can result in serious injory through violence, or self mutilation or hazardous behaviour, homicide, or even suicide often in the most bazare of circumstances. The mental effects of LSD can be rapidly reversed by the i.m. administration of 50 mg. chlorpromazine [4].

In some cases, this psychotic state can lasts several days or even longer. Because adverse effects are particularly common among new users, early LSD trips are usually taken in the company of an trusted experienced users "a babysitters" who can often curb acute panic reactions.

Long-term effects can appear after repeated use over a lengthy period, but often some times after the short-term effects of a single dose have worn off. "Flashbacks" (unpredictable, spontaneous recurrences of the original LSD experience without the user having taken the drug again) can occur years after the last encounter with the drug. Typically, flashbacks last only a few minutes or less and are usually visual images ranging from formless colours to frightening hallucinations. The cause of the flashbacks is unknown, but they frequently occur after an LSD user smokes marijuana, again the reasons for this are unknown. Flashbacks can have some or all of the effects outlined above or encountered in the original "trip" [5].

Chronic LSD use may result in prolonged depression and anxiety, or even schizophrenia however little neither conclusive research nor evidence is provided for the extent or reasons for these effects. However, there is certain evidence that SSIR antidepressant drugs (such as fluozetine, phinoxetine or seraline are all examples) may cause prolonged or worsening depressant [6].