Hallucinogens Ashleigh Pogue and Beth Hall

Drug Overview LSD: D-lysergic acid diethylamide -Synthetic drug (chemically similar to serotonin) Mescaline: comes from peyote cactus (chemically similar to norepinephrine) Psilocybin: resembles serotonin and comes from mushrooms Phencyclidine: commonly referred to as PCP MDMA: commonly referred to as ecstasy -a synthetic amphetamine derivative

LSD  Discovered in 1938, was made from the fungus ergot  One of the strongest mood-changing drugs.  Sold as tablets, capsules, liquid, or on an absorbent paper  Physical effects: dilated pupils, high body temperature, increased heart rate, causes perspiration, and raises your blood pressure  Effects are usually felt within 30 minutes and lasts 12 hours.  Not considered addictive because it does not produce compulsive drug seeking behavior. Most users stop over time on their own.

Mescaline  Has the same physical effects that LSD does, but also includes severe vomiting and nausea  It has been used in religious ceremonies by various Native American peoples for many centuries for its nauseating side effects. This was thought to be “cleansing”  Effects last about 12 hours  Produces rich visual hallucinations  It is also not physically addictive

Psilocybin  It is ingested orally, usually through tea or other means to mask its bitter flavor (including chocolate covered mushrooms).  Physical effects appear in 20 minutes and last 6 hours  Has the same physical effects as the previous drugs, and also includes lack of coordination and muscle weakness.  Panic attacks and psychosis often occur because the user cannot distinguish between reality and fantasy.

Phencyclidine  Sold as tablets, capsules, or colored powder. And, it can be snorted, smoked, or eaten.  Used in the 1950’s as an intravenous anesthetic, but was discontinued.  It alters the effects of the neurotransmitter Glutamate.  It is also known as angel dust, ozone, wack, and rocket fuel.  It is addictive.  It is not often a street drug because it is too dangerous.

MDMA  Also known as Ecstasy  It is chemically similar to methamphetamine and mescaline  It has a stimulant and psychedelic properties.  It is taken orally or as a capsule or tablet  Physical effects: hyperthermia, it causes cardiovascular, liver, and kidney failure, and death with the other symptoms that the previous drugs exhibit.  It is addictive and thought to be a neurotoxin.  It produces distortions in time perception.