Hallucinogens and dissociative drugs
Oxford University Press eBooks August 1, 2016 DOI: 10.1093/med/9780198714750.003.0015 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractHallucinogens and dissociative drugs are a diverse group of substances, some naturally occurring and some synthetic. This chapter describes their prevalence, modes of use, and pharmacological effects. Clinical syndromes include acute intoxication, chronic use, flashbacks, psychosis, acute anxiety, and acute and chronic brain syndromes, with flashbacks being particularly characteristic. Management of acute toxicity is outlined. Dependence does not occur with most hallucinogens but is described for ketamine.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Dissociative Psychology Psychiatry |
| Citations | 15 |
| Key finding | Hallucinogens and dissociative drugs produce characteristic clinical syndromes including flashbacks, and dependence is rare except for ketamine. |
Abstract
Abstract Chapter 15 of Addiction Medicine covers hallucinogens and dissociative drugs. Hallucinogens are a large and diverse group of substances, some of which occur in fungi and plants and some which are chemically synthesized. Psychostimulants described in this chapter include psilocybin, mescaline, ayahuasca, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and NBOMes and tryptamines. Dissociative drugs include ketamine, phencyclidine (PCP), and nitrous oxide. The prevalence and mode of use of these drugs is described together with their pharmacological effects. The clinical syndromes of acute intoxication and chronic use, flashbacks, psychosis, acute anxiety state, and acute and chronic brain syndromes are described, flashbacks being particularly characteristic of this group. Management of the acute toxicity syndrome is outlined. It is noted that dependence does not occur on most hallucinogens, although is described for ketamine.