Hallucinogen Persistent Perception Disorder Induced by New Psychoactive Substituted Phenethylamines; A Review with Illustrative Case

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is an uncommon condition linked to hallucinogens like LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin. Despite online reports of persistent visual disturbances, clinicians may be unaware of this complication. Few descriptions of HPPD with new psychoactive substances, such as 2C-E, exist. Increasing use of designer stimulants raises the risk for psychiatric morbidities including HPPD. This report presents the first documented case of HPPD from high-dose 2C-E, where symptoms were blunted with the addition of lamotrigine.

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Abstract

Hallucinogen Persistent Perception Disorder (HPPD) is considered an “uncommon” disorder described in association with use of hallucinogens such as LSD, mescaline and psilocybin. Despite multiple mentions of persistence of visual disturbances reported by users on online forums, clinicians may not be aware of this complication. There have been few descriptions of HPPD in association with use of new psychoactive substances (such as 2C-E). Increasing use of these designer stimulants places greater numbers at risk for psychiatric morbidities including HPPD. Here we report the first documented case of HPPD due to high dose 2C-E and blunting of symptoms with addition of lamotrigine. Keywords: Stimulants, hallucinogen, psychoactive, phenylethylamines.