Biological psychiatry
February 1, 2023
Friederike Holze, Peter Gasser, Felix Müller et al.
294 citations
LSD-assisted therapy produced long-lasting reductions in anxiety and comorbid depression symptoms up to 16 weeks in patients with anxiety related to a life-threatening illness. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial with 42 patients, LSD treatment led to significant decreases in anxiety scores compared to placebo, with a large effect size. Similar improvements were seen in depression ratings. Positive acute subjective drug effects and mystical-type experiences correlated with long-term anxiety reductions. Mild, transient side effects occurred in 19% of patients, and one serious adverse event (acute transient anxiety) was reported.
BMC pharmacology & toxicology
May 26, 2016
Evangelia Liakoni, Patrick C Dolder, Katharina M Rentsch et al.
24 citations
Of 50,624 emergency department visits at a Swiss university hospital over one year, 210 were due to acute recreational drug toxicity. Patients averaged 33 years old, 73% were male. Cocaine (33%), cannabis (32%), and heroin (14%) were the most reported substances; analytical testing confirmed cannabis (33%), cocaine (27%), and opioids excluding methadone (19%) most often. Only two cases involved novel psychoactive substances (NPS): one severe intoxication with PMMA and one minor with 2C-P. Common symptoms included tachycardia (28%), anxiety (23%), nausea or vomiting (18%), and agitation (17%). Severe outcomes included two deaths, two heart attacks, 13 seizures, and six psychosis cases. Most patients (76%) were discharged; 10% required intensive care. Classic drugs like cocaine and cannabis caused most problems, while NPS were rarely seen despite their increased detection elsewhere.
Journal of analytical toxicology
January 1, 2017
Adrian Stoller, Patrick C Dolder, Michael Bodmer et al.
19 citations
A 19-year-old male was admitted to the emergency department with severe hallucinations, dilated pupils, rapid heart rate, agitation, and confusion after using a substance sold as 2C-B. Laboratory analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry detected the more potent synthetic phenethylamine derivative 2C-P instead. Based on two blood samples, the estimated elimination half-life was 19 hours. The case illustrates how small structural variations in the 4 position of the phenyl ring, such as a propyl group in 2C-P versus bromine in 2C-B, can lead to significant differences in drug potency and duration of action, contributing to adverse effects.
Translational psychiatry
September 4, 2024
Patrick Vizeli, Erich Studerus, Friederike Holze et al.
15 citations
LSD dose is the strongest predictor of the drug's subjective and autonomic effects, but non-pharmacological factors also play a significant role. Pre-drug mood states—such as well-being, emotional excitability, and anxiety—predict subjective effects, heart rate, and body temperature. The personality trait openness to experiences correlates with stronger mystical-type effects and oceanic boundlessness. Prior hallucinogen use is linked to less anxious ego dissolution and a less intense overall altered state. Acute anxiety relates negatively to the functionality of the Cytochrome 2D6 enzyme. Sex and body weight do not significantly influence the drug experience.