Hallucinogens II Flashcards
what is psilocybin?
an indole hallucinogen
active ingredient in magic mushrooms
psychological and physical effects seem to be a mild version of an LSD trip
- no cases of lethal overdose reported
- metabolized to psilocin in the gut and liver by removing phosphate groups
- agonist at serotonin 5HT2A receptors
- non addictive, rapid tolerance similar to LSD
- used in part of religious ceremonies
theres some evidence that shows that its actually psilocin (the metabolite) that makes the hallucinations
What is Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and what are its properties?
DMT is a indole that is usually snorted, smoked or injected because the gut contains an enzyme that destroys it
effects are short lasting regardless of route (usually less than 30 minutes)
5HT2A, 2C, and 5HT1A agonist and binds to many other receptors
unique in that no tolerance forms and no decrease in 5HT2A
mammals naturally produce small amounts in the brain - levels seem to increase with stress
its found in plants but could be synthesized
it has a short half life regardless of route of administration
What are some effects of DMT? (physiological, and psychological)?
physiologically same as LSD and psilocybin
psychologica –> interesting twists in hallucinations
like intense vivid hallucinations
discovered by Terrence McKenna
What is Ayahuasca? What is beta-carbolines and why are they used?
a concoction of plants often brewed as a tea by indigenous people of amazon (called Vine of the Soul)
- uses two types of plants –> those that contain DMT and those that contain monoamine oxidase inhibitors called beta-carbolines
- taken together DMT is not degraded by monoamine oxidase and can reach the brain
- beta carbolines prevent DMT from being broken down and metabolized and is a type of monoamine oxidase inhibitor
- brain scanning shows it activates parts of the brain involved in vision and memory (Limbic system)
- functional brain scanning shows that recalled images produce the same level of activation in these brain regions as natural images
- now being combined with therapy in withdrawal programs for many drugs
what is Bufotenin/5-hydroxy-DMT? what are some of its effects?
its an indole found in the skin of specific toads, but also in hallucinogenic plants
- seems to be produced naturally by mammals
- schizophrenics have increased level of endogenous bufotenin in their urine
- also marketed as an aphrodisiac (food or drink that stimulates sexual desire)
- for many users, they just get nausea and headache
- some report profound experiences
- toad toxins contain cardiac glycoside which can cause fatal heart rhythm to develop
most commonly found in the Sonoran desert toad
What are New psychoactive substances (NPS) and who is the maker of these?
Made by Alexander Shulgin
- he synthesized and self-tested dozens and dozens of compounds and then wrote a book about it (phnethylamines I have known and Loved PHIKAL)
- he was most famous for his 2C series of drugs
- PiKHAL contained detailed instructions for synthesis of over 200 drugs
what are the properties of 2C drugs?
2C nomenclature refers to the 2 Carbons between the amino group and benzene ring
- these are all phenethylamines (a type of catechol)
primarily acts on 5HT2 receptors, prob with other receptor types as well and possibly transporters (similar to cocaine)
produces a combination of hallucinations and stimulation
- unlike many psychedelics, these can KILL
adding bromine, iodine in position FOUR will increase hallucinogenic effects
What is the Bromo-dragonFLY (benzodifuran) and what are its properties?
- 2C drug derivative
- effects in humans can last 1-3 days
- interacts with both 5HT2A and 5HT1 receptors
- causes severe vasoconstriction via alpha adrenergic receptor activation (causes increase in BP as well)
- effects mimic LSD but tend to be more intense and LONGER LASTING
- several deaths have bene linked with taking this drug and sometimes with ketamine (an analgesic)
very narrow window of safety for dose
contains 2 furan rings (5 membered ring containing O2)
What are some of the reported behaviours of individuals who have died from benzodifuran?
- similar effects as being on bathsalts
- violent behavior
- cardiopulmonary arrest is a common cause of death
what are the NBOMe series of NPS and its properties?
- highly potent 5HT2A full agonist typically more so than 2-C series
its chemical name is N-benzyl-oxy-methyl
- would require a size of kosher salt for a psychoactive dose
- these are derived from the 2-C series –> a 2-methoxybenzyl is added to the N of the 2-C bacon and thats what gives the drug the high affinity
– can be deadly with same symptoms as the 2-C drugs
What are anticholinergics? what are some of its dangers??
anticholinergics can give hallucinogenic effects but often don’t remember it –> no vivid sensory effects and sometimes called the original deleriants
- produce increase HR, dry mouth, lack of perspiration (inhibits sweat galdns), constipiation, difficulty urinating
- all can be fatal –> rapid heart rate, overheating, asphyxia (no O2)
- no euphoria and generally unpleasant
same mechanism –> prevents ACH from binding to muscarinic acH receptors
prevents aCH from being released onto tissue and muscles so your heart speeds up and you can end up with rapid heart rate and less o2
what are 3 major anticholinergics?
atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine
can be found in plants
what are 4 major plants that contain anticholinergics?
- deadly nightshade/belladonna
- mandrake
- hensbane
- jimsonweed (Datura)
What category is PCP and ketamine in?
PCP and ketamine are both dissociative anesthetics and are classified as deliriants
what are some properties of PCP and ketamine and their side effects?
very different experience from true hallucinogens and person is completely removed by reality
used by a small minority but considered one of the most dangerous drugs of abuse
it is reliabily linked to:
- suicides from severe depression
- drownings
- self inflected wounds
- violence
