EFFECTS OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS UPON THE EYE MOVEMENTS WITH CLOSED EYES
Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences – June 01, 1967
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Psychedelics dramatically alter eye movement, a crucial aspect of Psychology. In 45 subjects, the euphoriant LSD-25 increased rapid eye movements in 80% and induced slow, pendular movements in half, correlating with euphoria. Psilocybin similarly prompted these unique eye movements. Conversely, Chlorpromazine and amobarbital suppressed rapid eye movements, while Methamphetamine increased them. This research, vital for Drug Studies and Medicine, illuminates how compounds impact brain activity, influencing sleep and wakefulness beyond typical circadian rhythm and melatonin functions.
Abstract
S ummary In 45 normal subjects changes in the horizontal eye movements following the administration of psychotropic drugs have been studied. 1. Following the administration of amobarbital (250 mg, i.v.) and chlorpromazine (1.0mg/kg, i.m.), rapid eye movements (R) decreased gradually until they disappeared altogether. 2. LSD 25 (0.5 or 1.0γ/kg, i.m.) produced increase of R in 80% and markedly increased incidence and amplitude of slow movements (S) in about a half of the subjects. These large, slow pendular movements appeared fairly continuously and rhythmically in the subjects exhibiting mainly euphoria, disinhibition and ecstasy. 3. Following the administration of psilocybin (3mg, i.m.), similar pendular movements could also appear, but the duration of each slow movement tended to be longer. 4. Methamphetamine (9mg, s.c.) and epinephrine (0.005–0.01 mg/kg, s.c.) decreased S and increased R, but later than 20 minutes after the injection of epinephrine S appeared transiently. 5. The mechanism of action of the substances on the development of the different groups of the eye movements were discussed on the basis of these data. LSD 25 and psilocybin offered by Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. were used in the above studies.