Lysergic Acid Diethylamide

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has sparked more public debate than any other drug. This review summarizes its pharmacology, medical uses, and dangers. Claims that indiscriminate or uncontrolled use of LSD enhances aesthetic sensitivity, creativity, love, transcendental experiences, insights, or aphrodisiac effects are not substantiated; objective data strongly suggest that claims of augmented aesthetic sensitivity and creativity are false.

Study at a glance

Abstract

NO drug used by man has stimulated greater public-debate than lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). This brief review of the current status of the drug will summarize its pharmacology, medical uses and dangers. No attempt will be made to analyze in detail its alleged benefits when taken indiscriminately or under uncontrolled circumstances; these include augmented aesthetic sensitivity, enhanced creativity, increased capacity for love, occurrence of transcendental experiences, acquisition of new insights and aphrodisiac effects. Suffice it to say that none of these claims are substantiated. Indeed, objective data now strongly suggest that claims of augmented aesthetic sensitivity and creativity cannot be . . .