Chapter 14: Hallucinogens

Vocabulary definitions and key pharmacological concepts regarding hallucinogens and deliriants based on the Chapter 14 lecture transcript.

Phantastica

Drugs that create a world of fantasy for the user and alter perceptions while maintaining some contact with the real world.

Psychedelic

A term meaning ‘mind-viewing’ or ‘mind-expanding’, suggesting visionary effects.

Psychotomimetic

Substances that mimic psychosis, resulting in hallucinations and altered reality.

Entheogen

Substances that induce spiritual or religious experiences.

Entactogen

Substances that enhance empathy and emotional closeness.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that produce profound alterations in perception and unusual visual sensations.

Deliriants

Substances that produce significant mental confusion and a complete loss of touch with reality.

Indole Hallucinogens

A group of hallucinogens that resemble serotonin, including examples such as LSD and psilocybin.

Catechol Hallucinogens

A group of hallucinogens that resemble norepinephrine and dopamine, including examples such as mescaline and MDMA.

LSD Potency

One of the most potent psychoactive drugs, with effective doses measured in micrograms ($\mu g$).

LSD LD50

The estimated lethal dose which is $300$-$600$ times the effective dose.

Serotonin-2A receptors ($5$-HT2A)

The specific neurotransmitter receptors primarily affected by LSD and all indole and catechol hallucinogens.

LSD Tolerance

A phenomenon that develops rapidly within $3$-$4$ days of use, followed by quick recovery.

LSD Time Course

Effects last $6$-$9$ hours, with peak effects occurring within $1$ hour.

HPPD

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder, commonly known as flashbacks, which is an adverse effect of LSD.

DMT

A serotonin-related indole drug characterized by a short duration of effects lasting approximately $\approx 1$ hour.

Lysergic Acid Amide

An indole drug whose effects are dominated by auditory hallucinations.

Mescaline

A substance derived from peyote that differs from LSD by its slower development of tolerance.

MDMA and DOM

Two substances identified as chemical variations of amphetamines.

Hyperthermia

The major acute complication associated with the use of ecstasy (MDMA).

PCP

A drug related to the deliriants group that works on NMDA receptors by blocking glutamate.

Anticholinergic hallucinogens

Drugs that work by diminishing acetylcholine effects, resulting in symptoms such as hallucinations, muscular twitching, and spasms.