Psychopharmacology: Hallucinogens

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering types of hallucinogens, historical figures, specific drug characteristics, and physiological/psychological effects based on lecture notes.

What is hallucinogen?

Diverse group with different properties such as psychedelic, psychotomimetic, psychodysleptic, psycholytic.

Hallucinations but probably not true hallucinations

Studied for their psychotherapeutic value.

According to Hollister (1994), what are the three primary areas of change that define the effect of a hallucinogenic drug?

Primary Effect: Changes in thought, perception, and mood

Minimal cognitive effects (such as memory impairment)

Not characterized by excessive stimulation or lowered NS activity (stupor or narcosis)

Minimal ANS side effects (may cause some sympathetic activity)

No physical dependence or minimal addictive craving.

Psychedelics (Classic Hallucinogens)

Perception-altering substances that are primarily serotonergic agonists; examples include LSD, Psilocybin, and Mescaline.

Dissociatives

Glutamate antagonists that produce a sense of detachment from the environment, analgesia, amnesia, and catalepsy.

Deliriants

Acetylcholine antagonists (anticholinergics) that cause extreme confusion, inability to control one's actions, and disruptions of consciousness.

Psychedelic

A term coined by Humphrey Osmond meaning 'mind manifesting,' derived from the Greek words 'psyche' (mind) and 'delos' (manifesting).

Ergot

A parasitic fungus that grows on grains, is highly toxic, and serves as the synthetic chemical source for LSD.

Ergotism (St. Anthony’s Fire)

A condition caused by ergot poisoning characterized by reduced blood flow to extremities, sensations of skin tingling, convulsions, disordered thinking, and hallucinations.

Albert Hofmann

The chemist who created LSD-25 in 1938 and accidentally discovered its effects in 1943.

Dr. Timothy Leary

A Harvard clinical psychologist and LSD advocate known for the phrase 'Turn on, Tune In, Drop Out.'

Synesthesia

A sensory phenomenon often occurring during a psychedelic trip where one sensory experience is translated into another.

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)

A condition involving disturbed perception or distorted sensory experiences, such as flashbacks, that can last from minutes to years.

MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)

An illicit drug (Ecstasy) that affects serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine systems, and triggers oxytocin release.

Oxytocin

A hormone triggered by MDMA that increases sexual arousal, trust, emotional closeness, social bonding, and empathy.

Mescaline

A serotonergic agonist derived from the peyote plant, used for over 3000 years in Mexico.

DOM (STP)

A synthetic derivative of mescaline ("Serenity, Tranquility, Peace") known for long trips (up to 20 hours) and a reputation for producing 'bad trips.'

Psilocybin

The active psychedelic agent found in over 200 mushroom species; currently granted 'breakthrough therapy' status by the FDA for depression treatment.

DMT (Dimethyltryptamine)

A potent, short-acting hallucinogen often called 'the businessperson's LSD' because its effects last only minutes.

Depersonalization

A dissociative state characterized by feeling disconnected or detached from one's own body and thoughts.

Derealization

A dissociative state where the external world feels 'not real.'

PCP (Phencyclidine)

Also known as 'Angel Dust,' it was developed as a surgical anesthetic but reclassified as Schedule 1 due to its unpredictable dissociative and psychotic effects.

Spravato

The s-enantiomer of ketamine approved by the FDA in 2019 for the treatment of depression.

Ibogaine

A dissociative derived from Tabernanthe iboga used outside the U.S. to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms and eliminate drug cravings.

Atropa belladonna

A deliriant also known as 'deadly nightshade' that contains atropine and produces 'living dreams.'

Datura

A source of scopolamine also known as Jimson weed, which can cause psychosis and temporary blindness for up to two weeks.

Amanita muscaria

Mushrooms containing ibotenic acid, historically referred to as 'Nectar of the Gods' and used by Berserkers.