Lysergic Acid Diethylamide and Mystical Experiences
Michael Lyvers, in Neuropathology of Drug Addictions and Substance Misuse, 2016
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is the best-known drug of a subtype of hallucinogens, commonly referred to as psychedelics. LSD is by far the most potent psychedelic and one of the most potent psychoactive substances ever discovered. This chapter reviews the current state of knowledge about LSD, focusing on the theory of LSD actions in brain, the ability of the drug to elicit mystical/religious experiences, the risks of LSD use, past therapeutic applications, the colorful history of LSD, its myriad influences on Western culture, and future prospects for this controversial mind-changing chemical.
Drugs of abuse
Amitava Dasgupta, in Alcohol, Drugs, Genes and the Clinical Laboratory, 2017
Abuse of hallucinogens
LSD was first synthesized by Albert Hofmann in 1938 and then its psychedelic effect was discovered in 1943. Lysergic acid is found naturally in the parasitic fungus C. purpurea. Although LSD was a popular recreational drug in 1960s, today its abuse is less common. A moderate dose of 75–150 μg of LSD can produce psychedelic effects (optimum dosage used for recreational purpose is 100–200 μg). Traumatic experience (bad trips) may also occur from LSD abuse. LSD also alters the state of consciousness as well as impairing psychomotor functions. The biochemical action of LSD is due to its partial agonistic property of serotonin receptors 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) especially 5-HT2A receptors. Although LSD abuse can result in severe toxicity, there is no documented death due to abuse of LSD alone. LSD is completely absorbed after ingestion and psychological effects are observed 30–45 min after ingestion. In humans, LSD is also rapidly metabolized into structurally similar metabolites [46]. The major metabolite is 2-oxo-3-hydroxy lysergic acid, which is present in human urine 16–43 times greater than LSD [47].