hallucinogens

what are hallucinogens

• class of drugs that alter thought, perception and mood without producing CNS stimulation or depression

• alter perception by creating vivid distortions of sight, sound and other sensations

name some examples of hallucinogens

• LSD

• psilocybin

• MDMA (ecstasy)

• phencyclidine

what does the term “tripping” refer to

sensory hallucinations

what does the individual see when experiencing “bad trips”

• where frightening images are seen

• extreme paranoid thoughts are produced - can lead to serious accidents and suicides

how does LSD work

acts as a partial agonist on 5-HT2a receptors in prefrontal cortex, limbic system and brainstem and ultimately increases cortical glutamate levels

when are the effects of LSD felt and how long do these effects last

• usually felt within 30-90 mins

• lasts for 6-12 hours or even few days

when can “flashbacks” from LSD trip occur

months or even years later

describe the appearance of LSD and how is it taken

• white odourless powder

• taken orally

what are the psychological effects of LSD

• perceptual distortion

• sensory magnification

• impaired time perception

true or false: LSD does cause physical dependence

false - can causes psychological dependence

true or false: tolerance of LSD can develop rapidly but equally dissipate equally rapidly without withdrawal symptoms or craving

true

what effects does ketamine produce

similar effects to PCP (phenylcyclidine)

• catatonia (no talking or reacting)

• amnesia

• analgesia

• hallucinations

• vivid dreams

why is ketamine used for emergency in shock

because ketamine stimulates cardiovascular system

what effect can chronic abuse of ketamine cause

irreversible bladder damage

how does ketamine work

blocks NMDAR-type glutamate channels at the PCP site in use-dependent manner

also inhibits nAChRs and Na+ channels

currently, what are the medicinal uses of ketamine

in small doses, can:

• treatment of neuropathic pain

• chronic pain sydromes

• treatment-resistant bipolar depression (found to have anti-depressant effects)

what is esketamine