LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)

LSD is a potent hallucinogen first synthesised in 1938, derived from ergot, a fungus on rye and grains. Its effects are mind-altering, pleasurable, and stimulating, but can also cause unpleasant experiences called 'bad trips', paranoia, or psychosis. It alters perception, sense of time and space, and mood, and affects serotonin levels in the brain, impairing rational decision-making. Classified as a Class 1 drug (highly abused) by the Drug Enforcement Agency, it is taken orally via tablets, droplets, blotter paper, gelatin squares, or liquid sugar cubes. No medication treats LSD; options include speaking with a healthcare professional, talk therapy, and additional medical therapy.

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Abstract

LSD is a potent hallucinogen. It was first synthesised in 1938. It is marketed under numerous names. Ergot, a fungus that develops on rye and grains, is used to make LSD. The effect of LSD is mind-altering, pleasurable, and stimulating. Sometimes, exposure to this drug causes so-called unpleasant experiences, such as “bad trips”. It is classified as a Class 1 drug (highly abused) by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Paranoia or psychosis can occur as a negative sequence of taking LSD. Changes in perception, sense of time and space, and mood are reported due to the use of LSD. This medication can be taken orally or through the tongue using tablets, droplets, or blotter paper. LSD is marketed in the streets as blotter paper, thin squares of gelatin, tablet form, liquid sugar cubes, and pure liquid form. Since this is a mindaltering drug, it causes changes in serotonin levels in the brain. LSD affects one's ability to make rational decisions. Speaking with a healthcare professional, talk therapy, and additional medical therapy are options since there is no medication to treat LSD.