Effects of hallucinogenic drugs on the human heart
Frontiers in Pharmacology – February 02, 2024
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Beyond their known central nervous system effects, hallucinogens like Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and Psilocybin also profoundly impact heart function. Pharmacology reveals these psychedelics, often products of intricate chemical synthesis and alkaloids, stimulate serotonin receptors, influencing heart rate (chronotropic action) and contraction strength. This includes substances such as Ergotamine and other Lysergic acid derivatives. Understanding this complex chemistry is vital for medicine and drug studies, highlighting a significant neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior and physiology.
Abstract
Hallucinogenic drugs are used because they have effects on the central nervous system. Their hallucinogenic effects probably occur via stimulation of serotonin receptors, namely, 5-HT 2A -serotonin receptors in the brain. However, a close study reveals that they also act on the heart, possibly increasing the force of contraction and beating rate and may lead to arrhythmias. Here, we will review the inotropic and chronotropic actions of bufotenin, psilocin, psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ergotamine, ergometrine, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine in the human heart.