LSD "Mainlining"

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is taken orally in doses of 25 to 150 micrograms for psychedelic effects, and even larger illicit doses rarely cause lethal physical complications. Doses of 20 micrograms per kilogram of body weight have been taken without fatal outcome. No deaths directly caused by LSD have been reported, though the drug has been used unsuccessfully for suicide attempts. Rare suicides associated with LSD occur days to months after administration in disturbed individuals. The main danger arises from hallucinogenic effects leading to life-incompatible acts, such as attempting to fly from a building.

Study at a glance

Abstract

THE usual oral dose (25μg to 150μg) of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) required for a desired psychedelic effect is far below that which causes other serious derangements directly attributable to its pharmacologic activity. Complications of the illicit oral use of the drug, despite larger doses, are also largely limited to its hallucinogenic and psychologic effect. Doses of 20μg/kg of body weight are known to have been taken without a lethal outcome.1To our knowledge no deaths directly related to the use of LSD have been reported, although it has been used unsuccessfully for suicide attempts. (The rare suicide associated with LSD use tends to occur days to months after administration of the drug to a disturbed person.2) Occasionally, a subject under the hallucinogenic influence of the drug will accomplish acts incompatible with life such as attempting unaided flight from the top of a multistory building. The danger of