LSD: Turning on and tuning in, but is it safe?

What is LSD (acid)?

LSD is a synthetic hallucinogen, also known as a psychedelic drug. It is available as drops on blotter paper, tablets, or liquid. Street names include acid, blotter, hits, mellow yellow, microdots, windowpane, and Lucy in the sky with diamonds.

What does LSD do to you?

LSD changes the activity of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the brain. It changes the senses. For example, you hear sounds differently and colors look brighter. Mood changes rapidly and emotions are felt more intensely. Time and space perceptions are changed. Its effects usually last 8–12 hours.

Is LSD addictive?

LSD is not addictive. You can stop using it without experiencing physical withdrawal, though it may still be psychologically addicting. You can also develop a tolerance to it, such that it becomes less effective as you continue to use it.

What are the dangers of LSD?

While LSD overdoses are rare, it can impair judgment, leading to dangerous behavior such as car accidents or accidental injuries.

Side effects include agitation, anxiety, panic, and paranoia. Other physical effects include dizziness, tremor, muscle weakness, overactive reflexes, increased heart rate, increased temperature, increased blood pressure, sweating, and dilated pupils.

Some people experience flashbacks of the LSD experience. They have a recurring LSD experience characterized by sensory or emotional effects like those experienced when using LSD.  Flashbacks are brief and resolve on their own. Flashbacks are usually benign and pleasant. For some people they cause anxiety, anger, or fear.

Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) is long-term, widespread, and sometimes permanent. Visual disturbances continue and come with an unpleasant, low mood. It is distressing, causes anxiety, and can interfere with daily life. Between 4-5% of people who have used hallucinogens will develop HPPD.

What should I do if someone takes too much LSD?

If someone is experiencing mild symptoms, reassure them that is the symptoms are drug induced and will wear off. Place them in a calm, quiet environment. Make sure they cannot harm themselves. If they have moderate to severe symptoms, including panic, severe psychological distress or significant physical symptoms, seek medical attention right away.

What is a bad trip, and what should you do about it?

A bad trip is characterized by a panic reaction in which the person is conscious and oriented but is also anxious, fearful, and paranoid. Other features include bizarre reasoning, self-destructiveness, combativeness, and tearfulness.

You should place the person in a quiet, low-lit environment, reassure the person that they will be all right, and provide relaxation techniques. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam can be given for agitation and severe anxiety.

What happens if a child swallows LSD?

A child will likely not understand why they are seeing things that are not there. This can cause severe distress, panic, agitation, and confusion, as well as sweating, a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, and the other physical effects described above. Seek medical attention right away.