Acute Intoxication following Dimethyltryptamine Ingestion
Case Reports in Emergency Medicine – January 01, 2018
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A unique case reveals severe risks associated with ayahuasca, a potent psychedelic tea containing orally active DMT. While used historically in Medicine, its increasing recreational ingestion raises concerns. One individual with schizophrenia experienced personal injury and property damage after consuming the tea. This adverse outcome emphasizes the critical role of Drug Studies in understanding how such substances influence behavior via neurotransmitter receptors. Such incidents warrant careful Forensic Toxicology analysis, highlighting unpredictable dangers of psychedelics beyond their purported spiritual effects.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic tea that is most commonly comprised of the vine Banisteriopsis caapi alone or in combination with other plants such as Psychotria viridis . This concoction results in an orally active form of dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a hallucinogenic amine. Despite use in South America as a medicinal agent and component in religious ceremonies, interest in its recreational use and spiritual effects has led to increased use in the United States. We describe a unique case following ingestion of ayahuasca tea in a patient with history of schizophrenia resulting in personal injury and property damage. A review of ayahuasca toxicity and evaluation of serious adverse effects is also presented.