Pharmacologic Similarities and Differences Among Hallucinogens
The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology August 1, 2021 Kristin Waters 18 citations
Hallucinogens are a diverse class of substances that alter thoughts, perceptions, and mood through various biological mechanisms. Classical hallucinogens like lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, and N,N-dimethyltryptamine act primarily on serotonin receptors, while others work through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonism, opioid receptor agonism, or inhibition of monoamine reuptake (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine). This article compares the pharmacologic similarities and differences among hallucinogens and reviews their physical and psychiatric effects, including potential life-threatening and long-term toxicities.