Coma, Hyperthermia, and Bleeding Associated with Massive LSD Overdose a Report of Eight Cases
John Klock, Udo Boerner, Charles E. Becker
Clinical toxicology January 1, 1975 DOI: 10.3109/15563657508988063 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractEight people who snorted large amounts of pure LSD powder were seen within 15 minutes. They vomited, collapsed, and showed signs of overactive sympathetic nervous system, high body temperature, coma, and stopped breathing. Several had mild generalized bleeding, and all had evidence of platelet dysfunction. LSD concentrations in blood ranged from 2.1 to 26 ng/ml and in stomach contents from 1000 to 7000 mcg/100 ml. With supportive care, all patients recovered. Massive LSD overdose in humans is life-threatening and produces striking and distinctive symptoms.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case series Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 8 |
| Population | People who self-administered large amounts of pure LSD powder intranasally |
| Keywords | Coma optics Hyperthermia Anesthesia Respiratory arrest Tartrate |
| Citations | 78 |
| Key finding | Massive LSD overdose produces life-threatening effects including hyperthermia, coma, respiratory arrest, and platelet dysfunction, but all eight patients recovered with supportive care. |
Abstract
Eight patients were seen within 15 min of intranasal self-administration of large amounts of pure D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) tartrate powder. Emesis and collapse occurred along with sign of sympathetic overactivity, hyperthermia, coma, and respiratory arrest. Mild generalized bleeding occurred in several patients and evidence of platelet dysfunction was present in all. Serum and gastric concentrations of LSD tartrate ranged from 2.1 to 26 ng/ml and 1000 to 7000 mug/100 ml, respectively. With supportive care, all patients recovered. Massive LSD overdose in humans is life-threatening and produces striking and distinctive manifestations.