Exam 4 - Hallucinogens Flashcards
In the early use of hallucinogens, what were they mainly used for? Where could they be found?
- often used in religious ceremonies, used to predict the future
- found in wide variety of plants like iboga plant, psilocybin mushroom, peyote cactus
When was LSD discovered?
by Albert Hofmann in 1938
What are the pharmacokinetics of LSD?
- peak plasma levels reached in 2 hours
- rapidly absorbed and crosses BBB
- half life ranges btwn 2-3 hours, and can last up to 12
- extremely potent, but has no confirmed LD
What are the pharmacodynamics of LSD?
- partial serotonin agonist, creates sensory overload due to concentrations in prefrontal area, somatosensory areas, brain stem, etc
- hallucinogenic effects mediated by the 5-HT2A receptor
What are the effects of serotonergic hallucinogens?
- activation of sympathetic nervous system
- pupil dilation
- increased HR and BP
- increased temp and sweating
- magical thinking
- mood interferences
What are the adverse effect of hallucinogens?
- acute panic or paranoid reaction
- hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) - an element of the experience occurs a period of time later, flashback
MDMA
- developed in 1914
- similar effects of amphetamines by influencing serotonin (depletes) and dopamine transmission
- produces no or few visual hallucinations
What are the somatic effects of MDMA?
- dramatic increase in BP and temp
- sympathomimetic
- jaw clenching, suppressed appetite, restlessness, insomnia, impaired gait, restless legs, convulsions
What are the adverse effects of MDMA?
- lack of energy/fatigue, difficulty concentrating
- can lead to death or kidney failure
Neurotoxicity of MDMA
- can damage serotonin and dopamine axon terminals
- damage can continue up to 2 years after cessation
MDMA psychiatric problems
- withdrawal can cause depression
- impairments in memory, both verbal and visual
- impairments in decision making
Dissociative anesthetic hallucinogens
- PCP and ketamine
- awake but not cognisant
Pharmacokinetics of PCP and ketamine
- antagonist for glutamate/NMDA receptors
- remains unmetabolized for more than 2 days, detectable in urine for several weeks
Effects of PCP
- altered body image (depersonalization)
- aloneness/isolation
- cognitive disorganization
- drowsiness and apathy
- negativism/hostility
- euphoria/inebriation
- hypnagogic (dreamlike) states
PCP intoxication - Acute brain syndrome
- disorientation, confusion, poor judgement, abstract/absence of thought
PCP intoxication - Catatonic syndrome
rigidity or catalepsy, psychosocial withdrawal, excitement (agitation, violence)
PCP intoxication - Toxic psychosis
hallucinations and/or delusions, w/ or w/o acute brain syndrome
PCP intoxication - Coma
periods of coma that can last more than a day
