Hallucinogens

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to hallucinogens, including their types, effects, and history.

Hallucinogens

A class of drugs that alter sensory perception and can profoundly affect mood, thinking processes, and physiological processes.

Serotonergic Hallucinogens

A class of drugs including LSD and similar compounds that primarily affect serotonin receptors in the brain.

Methylated Amphetamines

A group of drugs, including MDMA and MDA, that are chemically related to amphetamines and produce empathogenic effects.

Anticholinergic Hallucinogens

Drugs like atropine and scopolamine that block acetylcholine receptors and can cause delirious, dreamlike states.

Dissociative Anesthetics

A type of hallucinogen, including PCP and ketamine, that provide anesthesia while allowing some consciousness.

Salvinorin A

A hallucinogenic compound found in the plant Salvia divinorum, which acts on kappa opioid receptors in the brain.

Flashback

A sudden recurrence of an LSD-like experience after a period of time without using the drug.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

A methylated amphetamine that produces increased energy, pleasure, empathy, and sometimes visual distortions.

Psilocybin

A hallucinogenic compound found in certain mushrooms that produces similar effects to LSD.

Tolerance

A phenomenon where repeated use of a drug results in diminished effects over time.

Hallucinogens

A class of drugs that alter sensory perception and can profoundly affect mood, thinking processes, and physiological processes.

Serotonergic Hallucinogens

A class of drugs including LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline that primarily act as agonists at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. They are typically administered orally, with effects usually beginning 30-90 minutes post-ingestion and lasting for several hours.

Methylated Amphetamines

A group of drugs, including MDMA and MDA, that are chemically related to amphetamines. Their primary mechanism involves increasing the release and blocking the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. They are typically taken orally, with effects peaking within 1-2 hours and lasting 3-6 hours, producing empathogenic and stimulant effects.

Anticholinergic Hallucinogens

Drugs like atropine and scopolamine that function as antagonists at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to a blockade of cholinergic neurotransmission. They can be administered orally or topically, causing delirious, dreamlike states, and often have a prolonged duration of action.

Dissociative Anesthetics

A type of hallucinogen, including PCP and ketamine, primarily acting as non-competitive antagonists at the NMDA glutamate receptor. These drugs provide anesthesia while allowing some consciousness, and can be administered via various routes (e.g., intravenous, intranasal), with effects varying greatly in onset and duration based on the specific drug and route.

Salvinorin A

A hallucinogenic compound found in the plant Salvia divinorum, which acts as a potent selective agonist at kappa opioid receptors in the brain. When smoked, it produces very rapid onset (seconds) and short-lived (5-10 minutes) intense hallucinogenic effects.

Flashback

A sudden recurrence of an LSD-like experience after a period of time without using the drug.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

A methylated amphetamine that primarily increases the release and inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Taken orally, it typically produces peak effects within 1-2 hours lasting 3-6 hours, characterized by increased energy, pleasure, empathy, and sometimes visual distortions.

Psilocybin

A hallucinogenic compound found in certain mushrooms. Once ingested, it is rapidly converted to its active form, psilocin, which acts as a partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, similar to LSD. Administered orally, effects usually begin within 30-60 minutes and can last for 4-6 hours.

Tolerance

A phenomenon where repeated use of a drug results in diminished effects over time.