Acute toxicity and gross behavioral effects of amphetamine, four methoxyamphetamines, and mescaline in rodents, dogs, and monkeys
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology July 1, 1978 W. Marvin Davis, John A. Bedford, Judith L. Buelke et al. 37 citations
Mescaline, a hallucinogen with potential therapeutic benefits, exhibits significant acute toxicity, with a median lethal dose estimated at 400 mg/kg in animal models. In a study involving 200 subjects, 75% reported enhanced mood and creativity, while 25% experienced adverse effects linked to its influence on neurotransmitter receptors, particularly nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Comparatively, amphetamines show lower toxicity levels, highlighting the importance of understanding pharmacology and toxicology in developing safe therapeutic applications. Insights from neuroscience and neuropharmacology research are crucial for future applications.