Hallucinogens and Designer Drugs

Question 1

where does the word hallucinogen come from and what does it mean

Answer 1

• comes from the Latin word “alucinere” meaning to wander in mind, talk idly, or prate
• many of these drugs don’t produce a true hallucinogen

Question 2

how does the DSM 5 describe hallucination?

Answer 2

• the sensory perception that has the compelling sense of the reality of a true perception but that occurs without external stimulation of the relevant sensory organ

Question 3

what do many of the psychoactive effects of hallucinogens involve?

Answer 3

• distortions of sensory information and some of the drugs primarily cause mental confusion and delirium

Question 4

what other terms are used to describe these drugs? how many plants are estimates for this to naturally occur?

Answer 4

• psychedelics, hallucinogens and deliriants

- 6000 plants contain substance capable of producing hallucinogenic or deliriant effects

Question 5

what class of drugs do the hallucinogens compromise?

Answer 5

• heterogenous class

Question 6

what are the 4 categories of these drugs?

Answer 6

• 3 are based on neurotransmitter characterizations and the 4th is a miscellaneous group
  1. cholinergic hallucinogens
  2. Serotonergic or 5-HT like hallucinogens
  3. methylated amphetamines (noradrenergic hallucinogens)
  4. other hallucinogens