4B - Hallucinogens

Question 1

Hallucinogens:

Answer 1

drugs that in small doses, alter perception, thought and mood, creating illusions in the mind of the user
Historically, mescaline was one of the earliest,

Question 2

Peyote cacti

Answer 2

source of mescaline

active hallucinogenic alkaloid in the peyote cactus

Question 3

Use of Magic Mushrooms

Answer 3

Clinical work (USA, Johns Hopkins Univ)
Treatment of depression and anxiety
Single dose of psilocybin “brings about positive psychological change lasting up to 3 months”
BUT…~ 1/3 of patients also experienced fear and paranoia after using it
Danger of inducing Psychotic States

Question 4

Discovery of LSD

Answer 4

Albert Hofman - Extracted lysergic acid from the ergot fungus, growing as a parasite on rye
Synthesized the diethylamide derivative (lysergic acid diethyamide) or LSD, since a rival company had found that diethylamide of nicotinic acid was a useful drug

Question 5

LSD (lysergic acid diethyamide)

Answer 5

Detailed quantitative studies found that LSD is 5,000 x more active as a hallucinogen as mescaline
Produces a hallucinatory effect ~ same as psilocybe alkaloids, except LSD trip lasts 2X as long and LSD doses required are 5000x smaller
DANGER is that PSYCHOTIC states can be induced that last far longer than the end of the psychedelic experience

Question 6

An unstable compound

Answer 6

LSD is sensitive to air and light, and oxidizes to inactive products
Stable only if stored in oxygen free ampules and protected from UV light

Question 7

Can LSD be used to study the causes of some mental illnesses?

Answer 7

LSD has a high binding potential for 8 of the 15 subtypes of serotonin receptors
LSD interferes with or blocks serotonin receptors in the brain, thus limiting serotonin activity
LSD potentiates (increases the effect) of norepinephrine, thus causing more stimulation of the Central Nervous System
Increased heart rate & Blood pressure

Question 8

Current status of LSD use

Answer 8

Declining

Question 9

PCP (phenylcyclohexylpiperidine)

Answer 9

widely abused
Can be a (i) depressant (ii) stimulant (iii) hallucinogen (iv) convulsant or (v) anesthetic
Due to its unpredictable effects, it is regarded by some as the MOST Dangerous drug on the illicit market at present.

Question 10

PCP :Mixed with MJ or tobacco

Answer 10

Dangerously unpredictable results include:
Agitation, excitement, gross incoordination (Zombie walking), euphoria, loss of speech,loss of pain sensation, eyes open coma amnesia etc (see p310)
THUS PCP is termed a “dissociative drug” –ie complete dissociation from reality
Can cause unpredictable violence
PCP depresses respiration and heart rate
Combination with alcohol can be overdose
now illegal!

Question 11

Tolerance and Addiction to Quaalude

Answer 11

Serious addiction can occur even after 1 month’s use
Abrupt withdrawal causes grand mal seizures and is life threatening…hospital care needed
now illegal!
antitussive (stops coughs)

Question 12

Quaalude symptoms

Answer 12

Effects are a release of inhibitions, feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and confidence…thus thought to be an aphrodisiac
BUT…severe withdrawal symptoms, fatal seizures etc
Depresses the Central Nervous System (CNS)
Similar to alcohol in that it is metabolized by the same liver enzymes

Question 13

Rohypnol (date rape drug )

Answer 13

Sold as a white 2 mg tablet (2-5$ each)
Produces no taste or odour when dissolved in a drink, producing a sleepy, relaxed, drunk feeling lasting 2-8 hours
Is a benzodiazepine type minor tranquillizer