LSD-induced hallucinogen persisting perception disorder treatment with clonidine: an open pilot study
International Clinical Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2000
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Clonidine shows promise in alleviating LSD-induced hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), with six out of eight patients reporting significant symptom reduction. Initially, participants averaged a Clinical Global Impression (CGI) score of 5.25, indicating severe psychopathology. After two months on a low dose of clonidine (0.025 mg, three times daily), the average CGI score dropped to 2.5, reflecting mild symptoms. This suggests that clonidine may effectively influence neurotransmitter receptors involved in managing excessive sympathetic nervous activity linked to LSD-related flashbacks.
Abstract
A pilot open study was conducted in order to evaluate the efficacy of clonidine in the treatment of LSD-induced hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). Eight patients fulfilled entrance criteria. All complained of HPPD for at least 3 months and were drug free at least 3 months. They received fixed low doses of clonidine, 0.025 mg, three times a day for 2 months. They were evaluated by the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) and a self-report scale on the severity of symptoms (graded 0-5). Patients scored an average of 5.25 (SD = 0.46) on the CGI and 4 on the self-report scale at baseline, indicating marked psychopathology. One patient dropped out at week 3 and a second patient dropped out at week 5. Of the six patients remaining at the end of 2 months, the average CGI score was 2.5 (SD = 0.55) and the self-report scale score was 2, indicating mild symptomatology. LSD-related flashbacks associated with excessive sympathetic nervous activity may be alleviated with clonidine in some patients.