Pharmacologic Similarities and Differences Among Hallucinogens
The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology – August 01, 2021
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Hallucinogens profoundly alter thoughts and perceptions, a key area in Neuroscience and Psychology. While three classical Serotonergic compounds, including Psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide, primarily influence Serotonin receptors, other Psychedelics operate through at least three distinct mechanisms, like NMDA antagonism or affecting Dopamine reuptake. Pharmacology reveals these varied actions, influencing behavior via diverse Neurotransmitter Receptor pathways. This review within Psychedelics and Drug Studies compares these substances' unique chemical synthesis and alkaloids, detailing their varied physical and psychiatric impacts, including potential toxicities.
Abstract
Abstract Hallucinogens constitute a unique class of substances that cause changes in the user's thoughts, perceptions, and mood through various mechanisms of action. Although the serotonergic hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, and N,N‐ dimethyltryptamine have been termed the classical hallucinogens , many hallucinogens elicit their actions through other mechanisms such as N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor antagonism, opioid receptor agonism, or inhibition of the reuptake of monoamines including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The aim of this article is to compare the pharmacologic similarities and differences among substances within the hallucinogen class and their impact on physical and psychiatric effects. Potential toxicities, including life‐threatening and long‐term effects, will be reviewed.