Studies on the Diethylamide of Lysergic Acid (LSD-25)
A M A Archives of Neurology & Psychiatry – April 01, 1957
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25) can induce intense mental states, and finding ways to manage these reactions is crucial. In a study involving 60 adult male drug addicts, treatments with chlorpromazine, azacyclonol (Frenquel), and reserpine were tested to block or reverse LSD's effects. Results indicated that chlorpromazine effectively mitigated severe reactions in 70% of cases, while azacyclonol and reserpine showed less consistent results. These findings may provide insights into the interactions of psychedelics and tranquilizers, influencing future therapeutic approaches.
Abstract
The effects of drugs on the abnormal mental state induced by the diethylamide of lysergic acid (LSD-25) are of interest from several points of view. Some means of mitigating too severe a reaction is needed in using LSD-25 experimentally or therapeutically. Since the LSD reaction is measurable and reproducible,1it might be possible to use the LSD psychosis as a screen for predicting the potential clinical value of new tranquilizing drugs. In addition, such studies might be useful in elucidating the mechanisms of action of both the tranquilizers and the psychotogenic drugs. The purpose of the present paper is to present the results of experiments in which attempts were made to block (prevent) or reverse (treat) the LSD reaction with chlorpromazine, azacyclonol (Frenquel), and reserpine. Methods Subjects.— The subjects used in these experiments were all adult male drug addicts who were serving sentences for violation of the Harrison