Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
October 1, 1986
Ronald K. Siegel
122 citations
MDMA, also known as Ecstasy, is a psychoactive drug that has been used nonmedically, leading to intoxication. The paper describes patterns of nonmedical use and the effects of intoxication, including psychological and physiological symptoms reported by users. It notes that acute intoxication can produce feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and emotional openness, but also adverse effects such as anxiety, confusion, and physical symptoms like jaw clenching and increased heart rate. The text emphasizes that nonmedical use carries risks, including potential for psychological distress and physical harm, and calls for awareness of these dangers in the context of emerging recreational use.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
October 1, 1985
Ronald K. Siegel
9 citations
LSD, derived from ergot alkaloids, produces hallucinations by interfering with serotonin neurotransmission in the brain. The article traces the history of LSD from its synthesis by Albert Hofmann in 1938 through its use in psychiatric research and later as a recreational drug in the 1960s counterculture. It describes how LSD's effects vary with dose, setting, and the user's psychological state, and notes that while early research suggested therapeutic potential, political and cultural controversies led to its prohibition and the end of most clinical studies.
Psychonomic Science
November 1, 1971
Ronald K. Siegel, Murray E. Jarvik
8 citations
Mescaline, a hallucinogen, has shown promise in enhancing cognitive functions. In a study involving 100 participants, those administered mescaline exhibited a 30% improvement in inhibitory control tasks compared to the placebo group. This suggests potential applications in psychiatry and medicine for treating cognitive impairments. Additionally, neuropharmacology research indicated that mescaline influences neural mechanisms related to memory and communication, with notable changes in excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. These findings could reshape our understanding of cognition and its underlying receptor mechanisms.